Emotional Geology (Paperback)

The writing has a lyrical almost poetic style, indeed some of it is written as poetry. The descriptions brought island Scotland to life, having visited these communities before their depiction here was detailed without being weighed down and a sense of place was well drawn and remained valid throughout. That unique feature of rural life where community is knitted into its landscape is beautifully acknowledged here. A feature often missing in novels about contemporary rural life.

The flashback voice is really well used and some of its juxtapositioning is particularly fine, impressing on the reader the author's very real understanding of some difficult issues particularly in the handling of mental health and its impact on a whole host of relationships within a small community. I was particularly impressed with the 'self absorption' of Rose, the main character. It is an important factor in the understanding of mental ill health and its impact is excellently told.

The cast of characters is short, on the whole they are both plausible and well upholstered. I liked the way that some were developed with depth and others waned as the novel progressed. There are unexpected story lines and some of them are quite resonating and memorable. In addition there are other themes, such as using creativity, in this case quilt making, as a counterpoint to stress that are clearly deliniated, well used and inspiring.

At heart this is undeniably a romantic novel but it has far more to it than that description implies. Yes on one level it fits the publishers 'target audience' but if read carefully and thoroughly it introduces the reader (who could and should be both men and women!) to some difficult and complex issues. I hope there will be more books from this author but perhaps a different publisher. A good read, written with a real sense of place and a understanding of the human state.

I could not put it down. How much more engaging, and life-like, are characters who have been through life's crises. At a time when mental illness is not spoken of (despite a 1 in 3 possibility of facing mental illness at some stage), how refreshing and informative it is to meet a character dealing with the aftermath of a breakdown but also living with bi-polarism.

The main characters are artistic in different ways, yet gradually recognise how they can support and feed off one anothers artistic insight and life experiences. I could easily visualise the landscape, settings, and textiles: carefully selected words can paint a picture, and add a texture of their own. Yet it was the inspired connections between the topography, or types of rock, and the artistic creations which really caught my imagination. I felt a yearning to create something myself, and to visit Uist.

As an avid bookworm it was good to read a book that not only grabbed my whole attention, but also inspired me to be creative: now there is a novelty. Excellent.