Description

Hame, n. Scottish form of ‘home’: a valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin

After her relationship breaks down, Mhairi McPhail dismantles her life in New York and moves with her nine-year-old daughter, Agnes, to the remote Scottish island of Fascaray to write the biography of Grigor McWatt, the late Bard of Fascaray.

But who was the cantankerous Grigor McWatt? Despite his international reputation, details of his past are elusive. As Mhairi struggles to adapt to her new life she begins to unearth the astonishing secret history of the poet regarded by many as the custodian of Fascaray’s – and Scotland’s – soul.

Publisher Review

Richly textured... The emotional complexity of the writing matches the landscape of the island and its surroundings. -- Philip Womack * Literary Review * Hame treads a line between light-hearted satire and a discussion on notions of home and belonging... A hugely entertaining, roller-coaster of a ride through poetry and language -- Liam Carson * The Irish Times * Bristling with life and passion and wit. * The Herald * This searching and eloquent novel muses on identity, love and belonging. -- Hepzibah Anderson * Mail on Sunday * Transportive and immersive. -- Jonathan McAloon * Financial Times *