Of Stone and Sky

Description

*Longlisted for the Highland Book Prize 2021* After Highland shepherd Colvin Munro disappears, a mysterious trail of his possessions is found in the Cairngorm mountains. Writing the eulogy for his memorial years later, his foundling-sister Mo seeks to discover why he vanished. Younger brother Sorley is also haunted by his absence and driven to reveal the forces that led to Colvin's disappearance. Is their brother alive or dead? Set on a farming estate in the upper reaches of the River Spey, Of Stone and Sky follows several generations of a shepherding family in a paean to the bonds between people, their land and way of life. It is a profound mystery, a passionate poem, a political manifesto, shot through with wisdom and humour.

Merryn Glover was the first ever Writer in Residence for the Cairngorms National Park. She writes fiction, plays, poetry and journalism and her work has won awards, been published in anthologies, magazines and newspapers and broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland and Radio 4. A skilled trainer and presenter, with experience across cultures, age groups and abilities, she is always keen to meet readers, deliver workshops and perform her work, both in person and online.

'Of Stone and Sky unfolds impressively and with a sweeping scope, dispelling romantic notions of the Highlands to acknowledge its material realities, and doing it through diverse, well-developed characters, before capping it with a satisfying ending' * The Herald * 'A paean to the bonds between people, their land and way of life' * Scots Magazine * 'A rich stew of a novel, one with a Victorian complexity of plot, a family saga which is also a socio-economic survey of Highland history ... a considerable achievement' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman * 'With the most wonderful blend of stark and sharp plot lines mixed with richly descriptive detailing, this is a beautifully readable novel ... Merryn Glover has an evocative pen, the descriptions sing, the sense of place flowed into my awareness and I found I couldn't stop reading. An unexpected novel, echoing the past and asking questions of the future, it really is a truly lovely read' -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading * 'Glover writes with a poet's clarity and economy ... each of the pieces of the jigsaw is compelling in its own right and interlink to create a picture of considerable beauty and power ... exceptionally touching' * Scottish Mountaineer * 'This complex, exquisitely written and meticulously-structured work covers almost a century. It deals with love, community, family, the legacies of the past; but also with alcoholism, tragedy, betrayal and loss. It's immensely readable - and overflowing with grace' * Inverness Courier * 'The lyrical, descriptive writing style pairs perfectly with the sweeping landscape ... Of Stone and Sky is brimming with life, love and just enough Scottish stuff: dialect, tradition, song and prayer' -- Nicole Gemine * Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week * 'An enthralling mystery, family saga and Sunset Song-esque ode to the land' * The Herald, 25 Summer Reads * 'A stunning story, beautifully written...[Merryn Glover] paints a richly detailed portrait of her setting. A book which deserves widespread recognition...outstanding Scottish literary fiction' -- Joanne Baird * Portobello Book Blog * 'A novel full of connection and mystery... with the backdrop of the beautiful Scottish Highlands, this is a story of love, wisdom, and wit' * Scottish Field * 'The plot embraces a community and landscape which shapes it in the paean to connectivity' * Strathspey and Badenoch Herald * 'a perfect winter read... draw the curtains, light the fire and prepare to be transported to the Cairngorm mountains' -- Liz Treacher * Kyle Chronicle * 'Crafted beautifully and effects its own quiet, soulful rhythm in the main characters' lives ... In the midst of tragedy, loss and life-changing physical and emotional pain, Of Stone And Sky shepherds us to feel our part in the existence of something greater' * North Words Now * 'Evokes a sense of land and belonging... a journey of introspection and self discovery. A read to be savoured slowly' * The Wee Review * 'This book is sublime. It was an absolute joy to read, like drifting along a gentle stream with waves of poetic beauty constantly lapping around me' * Goodreads, 5 star review * 'This is a beautiful read ... the heart of the novel is the quality of writing' * Dorset Magazine *