Tag Archives: Book review

December 11, 2018 · 6:35 pm

Scottish Author ~ Book Review ~ The Queen’s Grace by Nigel Tranter

I was introduced to the works of Nigel Tranter when discussing Scottish Literature with Alex at The Wee Shoppe in Kinghorn; if fact I borrowed several of Nigel Tranter’s books from Alex.

41GVH5TMS3L._AC_US218_The Queen’s Grace, is but one of those books, which I have recently reread. Tranter was proficient in the skill of weaving credible and nail biting tales around known facts. His novels were always well researched but also so eloquent that they draw us, the readers, back in time as if we were there. This novel is set at the time of Mary Queen of Scots when she was all but captive by her brother, James who plots for her throne. Clansmen swear their allegiance to their Queen but change sides the moment they feel it is prudent to do so. Men’s heads are cut off for crimes they have not committed and yet their honour is their bond.

Alongside these, sometime gruesome scenes are moments of warmth, tenderness and even humour, especially with those surrounding the queen herself. Her loyal subject Patrick Mac Ruary shines throughout the novel and is the constant to the end; his romance with Mary Mackintosh adding a wonderfully human touch, which I enjoyed greatly.

Not only was this an excellent book but it is a wonderful introduction to the intrigues and intricacies of Scottish history, its battles, victories and failures. What a proud nation, justly so, and it has helped me to understand the fractious, almost love – hate relationship between the Scots and the English at times to this day.

The Queens Grace was originally published in 1953 but this edition was reprinted by B & W Publishing House in 1996. It is the first of Tranter’s novels which I have reread, but I doubt if it will be the last.

I met Nigel Tranter on my walk along the Fife Coastal Path and enjoyed a wonderful conversation with him in The Healing Paths of Fife.

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December 28, 2017 · 4:12 pm

Celebrating Scottish Authors Month ~ Buddhada by Anne Donovan

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Buddhada on Amazon

This is a gem or a novel lent to me by a neighbour. Anne Donovan is an author from Glasgow and so her descriptions and characters are spot on, charming you with their down to earth sense of humour ~ well except Jimmy of course, the main character, who is going through a bit of a mid life crisis.

Jimmy, a Glaswegian painter and decorator,has a pretty ordinary but happy life with his wife and daughter, that is until he becomes interested in meditation through a local Buddhist Centre. In short he leaves his wife of thirteen years, the love of his life, in search of something. Enlightenment? The meaning of life? Peace? The lamas are in the background watching his journey in a quiet, non judgmental way and he lives at the Centre for a while.

You read the story from Jimmy’s point of view, but also from his wife, Liz, a very down to earth lady whose whole life revolves around family and friends. Also from Anne Marie’s perspective; their twelve year old daughter.

I loved the local dialect and have been living in Fife long enough, just about, to hear the voices. Some might find this aspect difficult to read but please try not to be put off. I’m sure most readers will be able to slip into a truly Glaswegian experience ~ with a difference.

I do believe that, if Buddhada were on my own bookshelf, that I’d keep it to read it again, and I can’t give higher praise than that 🙂

 

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December 19, 2017 · 6:08 pm

Celebrating Scottish Authors December ~ The Death of Bees by Lisa O’Donnell

Death of BeesThis was a Kindle purchase although I have seen The Death of Bees in Waterstones. Wow, what a powerful beginning which hit me and intrigued me. The former emotion was not a positive one. The first chapter is intended to revolt.

Fortunately I was so intrigued that I continued to get to know the characters well. The novel is unusual in that each chapter is written in the voice of a different person. Marnie and Eve, two teenage sisters, have a deep dark secret  leaving them to fend for themselves. The contrasting qualities of the girls would highlight the angst of any normal teenage life. This however draws the reader in, with all the more empathy to their plight, due to their dire circumstances.

There’s Lennie the kindly neighbour and the long lost Grandfather who causes further tugs in their lives and several other lesser but pivotal characters. All in all The Death of the Bees had me gripped to the very end. Be prepared to be shocked though.

The Death of Bees is set in Lisa O’Donnell’s city of Glasgow.

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