Matilda in the Middle

Katy’s story is first and foremost a musical, family memoir. Both parents come with their own lives immersed in the Scottish music scene of the 1980s – Katy enmeshed in everything that was Edinburgh-based C86 indie pop, while her bandmate and future husband, Douglas MacIntyre, embraced the Scottish post-punk era.

At the turn of the century, just as the the couple’s musical projects are in the midst of a creative overload, children start to appear at an alarming rate. Six years and five children later, SandFest was born – raising thousands of pounds over the next decade for Down’s Syndrome charities.

A family. Functioning. JUST – music is always there to save the day. At the centre of this family saga is the indomitable spirit of middle child, Matilda, whose Down Syndrome is, in equal parts, challenging and an amazing gift within the family dynamic!

In part, with the raw and unflinching honesty Katy tells of her encounters with the medical profession and educational authorities, which can be described as alternating between difficult and wonderful.

At heart, this is the story of a family’s love of music and how it has provided purpose, forged relationships and created harmony in every aspect of their lives … with Matilda in the middle.

Reviews of Matilda in the Middle

“A story with a huge beating heart at its core and music riding through every page like a swashbuckling heroine!” – Mel Giedroyc

“A heartening, warm and bright-eyed book about family, music, embracing chaos, and the quiet magic of everyday wonder. ” – Nicola Meighan