‘whether he is describing the perils of crossing the Atlantic with nothing to steer by but the moon and the stars, or the fascination felt by a young Orcadian boy at the sumptuous choice of cheeses at the Norwegian court, Mackay Brown enters instinctively into the lives of his characters with exhilarating sureness of touch. A fascinating emotional odyssey, a novel with tone and integrity which cuts surprisingly deep.’David Robson, Sunday Telegraph ‘Abundant knowledge of lore and legend, skills of seamanship and husbandry weave through the text ,like strands in a magic carpet. Entirely delightful. Mackay Brown writes from the inside, in prose as poised as his tale is fresh and entirely delightful. No writer alive is more refreshing or entertaining than George Mackay Brown at his vintage best.’Tom Adair, Scotland on Sunday ‘A precise, poetic and dazzling writer’Guardian