Couldn't put this book down. A very interesting account of the lives of the crofters of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Describes the hardship these people went through at the hands of evil landlords and factors, famines and the "clearances" when many were dispossessed of the land that rightly was theirs but held in trust by their clan chiefs. This is an enlightened insight into their culture, their houses, their food and medicine but more importantly their psyche and spirit. If you think you've ever had it hard reading this book might put things into perspective. ( )