Margaret Skea

Knowing little of Scottish history, I wasn’t sure what to expect of this novel. I found it well researched, well written, informative, entertaining and thoroughly worth reading. Based on a long lasting bloody feud between two clans, the Cunninghames and the Montgomeries, the story begins with a surprise horrific mass killing, one side lying in wait to slaughter the other. This event actually occurred in Ayrshire, Scotland in 1586. The author, by introducing the fictional Munro family in this first chapter, is able to present the incidents that follow through the adventures of Munro, a minor laird, whose connections to both factions move the narrative along. We get wonderful glimpses into daily life in 16th century Scotland—what they ate, clothes they wore, even the children are portrayed in a way that creates a picture in the mind; their antics and worries adding interest and sparkle. The dreadful plight of the poor is made clear when a starving child is caught in the act of stealing a rabbit from the family warren, “... she could see his shoulder blades and hips protruding sharp and angular, his legs stick-thin.” I was grateful for the area map, the main character descriptions, and the short glossary of Scottish words, and used them all repeatedly. I was totally unprepared for the ending. It was perfect! This novel is historical fiction at its best and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.… (altro)