Description

Set in the 1920s, this marvellously sensitive autobiography recreates the varied community of Nairn, with its fishermen and townsfolk, its crofters and its prosperous upper-middle-classes. Nairn has witnessed many of the triumphs and tragedies of Scottish history, and these are recalled with intuitive understanding. But it is also the scene of David Thomson’s formative years when he suffered an eye injury which nearly blinded him and shaped his whole future.

Winner of the McVitie’s Prize and the first NCR Book Award For Non-Fiction

Publisher Review

A brilliantly original mix of love story, memoir and history -- Brian Moore His writing combines a feel for the "this-worldness" of his characters' lives with an understanding of the "otherworldness" they keep a place for in their consciousness. Which is a way of saying that the stylistic achievement depends upon a deep imaginative sympathy * Guardian * Long matured, an exceptional malt of the mind... David Thomson's book is one that can be returned to time and time again to refresh with its vision and the brilliance of its writing * Herald * The effect might echo Proust, or Alain-Fournier; the tone is completely distinctive -- Roy Foster * Observer *