This is a lovely memoir about life on the Scottish island of Mull during the 1950s told from the point of view of Nicholas the cat as narrated to Annabel Carothers and with lovely illustrations by Lyn Dunachie.
Nicholas shares his observations of farm life, the effects of foot and mouth disease and the changing social situation on the island. He talks with particular fondness of his best friend, Corrieshellach, the horse:
'She greeted me with the low, Highland whinny that had first endeared her to me, and .... I went with her round the end of the barn to the cosy spot she had been in all night, carefully out of the way of the wind. And she lay down, slowly, ponderously and shook her mane so that it lay in silverly streams over her neck. And I climbed up on her and nestled against her, and closed my eyes but took care to purr rapturously into her listening ear.'
This a delightful and fanciful look at Scottish island life and well worth reading, particularly if you're needing a break from more demanding literature.
Four Ducks on a Pond by Nicholas the Cat (with Annabel Carothers), illustrated by Lyn Dunachie published by Birlinn
Thank you, CGP: I was given this as a gift and found it delightful!
ReplyDeleteI think I’m now on a permanent break from demanding literature!
ReplyDeleteWalking on the Isle of Mull I rounded a corner saw an eagle on a rock not more than 5 meters away from me. I stood stock still for what seemed like ten minutes before he casually flew away. The woman at the B&B had unexpected guests and said we'd have to move rooms. She gave up her own room and slept on the couch. Amazing! Particularly when I think I've returned to my room twice in the evening, once on cycling holiday and once on a walking holiday over here only to find my bags removed to the entrance and been told to move on as a tourist group had arrived and we were just a couple. Yes, many happy memories of Mull and of Scotland and Scots in general.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I would love to read the cat's view of life on the island.
ReplyDeleteSounds a very good read.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan