Of course, when I volunteered to write a blog for #HistFicThursdays, it was bound to be Gothic-based. All the pupils at school know now that, if they get me for English, they will be studying some Gothic Horror at some point! I have just taught my first full year of National 5, and the text I selected for the pupils’ Critical Essay (worth 20% of the overall grade) was A Warning to the Curious by the great M. R. James. There are so many fascinating things which can be said about the text: Paxton as a tragic hero; the setting of the First World War and how that is woven in throughout the text; the themes of revenge and respect for beliefs; the many examples of foreshadowing throughout… But teaching a group of teenagers to love (or, more realistically, to understand) M. R. James is not without its challenges. He writes in that wonderfully lyrical style which is key to the Gothic genre and, even for his time, he was using language which was perhaps slightly old-fashioned. Therefore, some ...
Book Review
"Hebridean Storm" by Libby Patterson
☆☆☆
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The plot was very exciting and had me sitting on the edge of
my seat at times. Although I’m from Scotland, I’m not used to the Hebrides
(being more of a north coast girl!) but I found the references to the geography
very interesting. Being very familiar with an island community, I could
recognise some of the characters clearly!
The book does, however, need proofreading. There are a lot
of errors – mostly with speech marks. It’s very easy for an author to read over
these so it’s handy to get the opinion and help from someone else. It doesn’t
have to be a professional – just someone who can distance themselves from the
plot.
The Gaelic works well in the
speech but I’d avoid using it in the narrative.
I’m saying these constructive
comments because I think this book really deserves the time these amendments
will take. This is a really good book! I’m looking forward to reading the next
one!
Matt MacAulay is a disheartened, medically retired Royal Marine, who feels trapped, back at home on the Scottish Island of South Uist, in the Outer Hebrides. His self esteem and drive abandoning him as he felt the Navy had. Travelling to Glasgow on family business, he intervenes to help a woman; Marieke and her small child who he thinks are being mugged. He is unwittingly dragged into their nightmare, being hunted down by ruthless villains led by Nick Parson, a bent London copper, who will stop at nothing to silence her and recapture the evidence she holds against him.
To keep them safe, Matt brings her home to Uist, thinking no one will find them in the peaceful hills of the remote community. But he underestimates Parson, who follows them home like an unrelenting Hebridean Storm. They hide, but even here, nowhere is safe. Matt seeks help from friends and family, but will it be enough to escape with their lives and to protect the safety of those they love?
(Buy it here!!)
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