Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the “12 Days of Christmas” with new book Elephant
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- December 13, 2025
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month, a campaign designed to put her new book Elephant into the hands of those who can help others as they navigate the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis, either for themselves or a loved one. It does so by providing an insight into the cancer journey using the media of our time – text messages, emails, social media posts.
Gillian has become a distinctive and much-admired voice in Scottish writing. Her bestselling debut novel Brodie made headlines in 2023 and has now raised more than £30,000 for Beatson Cancer Charity, where she herself received treatment. She is known for writing about illness without sentimentality, and for a voice that cuts straight to the truth with sharp insight and wit. Speaking about her new book, she says: “Elephant is a book that found me. I’m glad that you have now found it. The book that found me is about mortality. My own mortality.”
Elephant follows a writer navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, but it’s not a traditional cancer memoir. Told through messages, emails, tweets and private thoughts, it captures the confusion, loneliness, absurdity and unexpected moments of clarity that surface when life lurches off course. The format gives readers an intimate connection to the emotional reality of serious illness.
Early praise for the book has been strong. Professor Victor Montori M.D. calls it “a masterpiece.” Author Elissa Soave notes that Shirreffs “has laid bare the physical and emotional impact of a life-threatening diagnosis… with such humanity and hope.” Writer Olga Wojtas describes it as “moving, witty and inspiring.” Stephen Cameron, Owner of Into Creative Publishing, says, “Every so often, a manuscript arrives that has universality and a deep insight into human frailty and our ability to overcome. Gillian points at the elephant in the room and says, take a seat.”
Gillian has written about illness for almost two decades. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, she began writing while on bedrest, when her body shut down but her mind did not. Writing became her way forward: direct, unsentimental and anchored in sharp observation. A former HR director and English teacher, she holds a Doctor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and her academic work explores the relationship between object and illness—a thread that runs throughout Elephant.
Throughout the 12 Days of Christmas, Gillian will gift copies of Elephant to individuals and organisations across Glasgow, including celebrities, influencers, medical professionals and local businesses such as The Delphine in Prince Square and Mika and Me in the West End. Supporters include Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Gregor Smith, musicians Bobby Bluebell and Brownbear aka Matt Hickman, and many more.
Dr Shirreffs said, “ I’m grateful to all those involved who have recognised that Elephant is a book that can be used as a resource by anyone who wants to support someone going through a cancer diagnosis and the treatment that follows, be they clinician, employer, friend or family member.”
Elephant speaks directly to anyone who has sat in a waiting room, felt the heaviness of silence or struggled to find the right words during moments of fear or uncertainty. It is a book shaped by experience, sharpened by humour and grounded in deep humanity.
Follow Gillian on Instagram at @talking0bjects for campaign updates and behind-the-scenes insight into her work. Elephant is available to order from Into Creative and Waterstones.
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