This is the first book I’ve read of this author and I must admit I was totally gripped by both the writing and the story. My love of location as a character in its own right was well and truly quenched here, as Bristow brought alive the surroundings of the remote Western Isles of Scotland with total professionalism and I could almost taste the salty spray of the sea on my lips.
According to the post script, the author based the novel on one of the many legends of the area, that is the selkies which are seals who can transform themselves into people and back again. Tales of such creatures are as known to the locals of the parts as mermaids are to the rest of us, and the fear and intrigue they carry comes across superbly in the story. As well as using the beauty of the landscape, Bristow brings into the play the resilience of the cross section of locals in such a tough landscape, and the strength of human spirit through adversity.
When young fisherman, Donald, gets to see the selkies on one of his lone fishing trips he makes a decision that will change his life forever in any ways. Along with his long-suffering mother, Bridie, he begins a journey that will take him to places and situations he never believed he would visit.
The writing winds its way effortless through this superbly crafted tale and I very much look forward to reading another book by this author.
Highly recommended!
You’ll enjoy this if you like: Kate Hamer, Jo Cannon, Ruth Hogan.
Avoid if you don’t like: Haunting tales and legends of old.
Ideal accompaniments: Smoked mackerel fillets with brown bread and pale ale.
Genre: Contemporary
Available on Amazon
No comments:
Post a Comment