Bruach Blend

Another wonderful episode in Ms. "Peckwith's" amazing chronicle of her years on the Scottish Island. With this book, the author really turns her pen into a paintbrush. "We sat together staring contemplatively at the startled looking sea wavelets racing before the fresh breeze, at the clean carved shapes of the Islands; at the gently blue sky strewn with clouds that looked as soft and inviting as white fur rugs; at mists lit with rainbows and mountains silvered with sunlight." The visuals of the scenery are quite simply breathtaking, as are the wonderful characters that just spring from the pages. With gentleness and a great deal of humor, the idiosyncrasies of the villagers are delivered in a forthright, but never condescending manner. The hygiene of this time and place will make a modern mama's blood run cold (and probably the postman's too) and the brutal work load will make you grateful for our modern conveniences. I predict you will love the charming journey into another place and time - but probably be glad you are traveling via armchair. While this book stands on its own, I am glad I read it after the other three Bruach books: The Hills is Lonely, The Sea for Breakfast and The Loud Halo. The book also contains a delightful little list of Gaellic translations and pronunciations. --Silly Old Cailleach Mamalinda