Prebble weaves a well-told narrative about the clearance of highland farms for sheep over the 18th and 19th centuries. Told through many first hand accounts, Prebble shares the uncaring neglect of the great landlords, and the profiteering self-interest of their chief factors. Through all Prebble and his witnesses chronicle the suffering of the clansmen and their families, cut loose from centuries of tradition to fend for themselves on the very poor coasts, or seek a new, less certain beginning in Canada or Australia. ( )

a story told based on the ethnic cleansing of the highlanders of Scotland by lowlanders and supporters of the english crown following Culloden ( )