Scots Quair (Tr)

unjustly overlooked, this book (really comprised of three novellas, all together a trilogy) deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with other modernist works, such as "Dubliners" or "Sons and Lovers." at its time, the books were important, both politically and socially, because they present scottish language and scottish history as things separate from - though no less equal to - the larger "English" culture. beyond this, gibbon's lyricism is a wonder to behold; he can manipulate language in ways that may bring a tear to your eye (and the story, mournful as it is, just may add to it)."Scottish Quaire" is a work that many have never heard of, and that is unfortunate. it offers a unique voice to the human condition, and, perhaps more importantly, the scottish condition. i tell you to buy it, or at least check it out of your library (lord knows there'll be copies available).

A marvellous trilogy with each novel depicting that particular era superbly. My personal favourite was Sunset Song because it was saluting the end of an era for the Scottish crofter who will always be part of Scotland's great heritage.

It is rare to find a book written on Scotland at the beginning of the 20th century to be so powerful and moving. The book heroine, Chris Guthrie is one of the most realistic and brilliant characters in modern literature. To have a book that merges elements of the Kailyard and the counter-Kailyard movement so effectively is an brilliant idea, difficult, but brilliant. Quite simply the greatest book ever written.

For Americans of Scottish descent, "A Scots Quair" (a trilogy) will teach you how Scots in Kindardineshire spoke, what life was like, how the air might have felt against your cheek. It's like looking into the hearts and minds of our ancestors and finding that life's basics have not changed at all.