Rosemary Goring

'Scotland: Her Story' is a collection of brief historical records from chronicles, letters, diaries, interviews, and other documents telling the stories of Scottish women from the 7th century to the 21st. Given the survivor bias of written material, the earlier pieces are almost exclusively written by men and centre upon royal women. By the 18th century, though, female voices start to proliferate. The brevity of each piece makes for rather a patchwork effect, although the extracts are well show more chosen to illustrate Scottish women's lives across the centuries. I still found it easy to become immersed in the book and thought it cohered effectively. Poverty, marriage, fashion, motherhood, religion, illness, sex, and crime are recurring themes.

Much of the content is frankly depressing, even the most recent material. The account of a mother whose little daughter was murdered in the Dunblane massacre made me cry. I appreciated the inclusion of a trans woman's recollections, which were of course characterised by the transphobia she has experienced. The final piece is a thoughtful interview with Nicola Sturgeon, who is currently leading Scotland's response to the pandemic with vastly greater competence than the pathetic excuse for a government down in Westminster. Despite the volume and variety of female suffering chronicled here, there is also a sense of progress and indomitability. Although I didn't exactly enjoy it, I appreciated the insight into Scottish women's lives. It was good to learn more about how ordinary, and unusual, women experienced historic events. As with my previous book [b:Bodies of Light|20329476|Bodies of Light|Sarah Moss|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394318715l/20329476._SY75_.jpg|28179074], I would only guardedly recommend it as a lockdown read. Perhaps better to dip into so it doesn't make you sad, but I am incapable of that type of reading. show less

What an ingenious idea behind this book! Scores of short excerpts from letters, articles, personal anecdotes and renditions of real events are collectively used to describe a nation and its history. Nearly all of these pieces are worth the read as standalone texts, but together they make up a picture of country and of a people. The editor Rosemary Goring has picked pieces she must have found interesting, entertaining and readable, rather than politically and historically correct. The result show more is the true people's history, with the perfect mix and in total balance, told in a more effective and better way than any other history book I have read. I understand Scotland and the Scots considerably better now - what an education I have had! show less

I will start the review by saying that I loved this book and found it a very engrossing read. Set in Scotland just after the battle of Flodden in 1513, during a turbulent time in Scottish history, I thought this was a fascinating and intriguing tale of love, war, espionage and adventure with a good plot at its heart. It cleverly combines historical fact with fiction and is so vividly and beautifully written that I almost felt I was there!

The story centres around five or maybe six main show more characters who are all suffering from the after effects of the battle, my favourite of whom are Louise Brenier, a young woman searching for her brother who is feared dead, and Hob, an orphaned boy who she befriends when tragedy strikes. All the characters are well drawn and believable, and I enjoyed travelling on their individual journeys.

It's a fast paced tale set during a period in history about which I know little, so I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to read and review this compelling, atmospheric and exciting book by www.lovereading.co.uk. A real page turner and one I would recommend to all historical fiction fans.

http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/8672/After-Flodden-by-Rosemary-Goring.html show less

A compelling and exciting story beginning in 1523, 10 years after the Battle of Flodden when life is still very fraught for the Borderers. Chief clansman Adam Crozier finds out that Baron Thomas Dacre, Lord Warden of the Marshes, ordered the murder of his father. Crozier wants his revenge and plots Dacre's downfall.

This is a fascinating and imaginative piece of fiction, cleverly combining fact. It is well researched and beautifully written. I was totally absorbed by the story and found it show more gripping. It makes an excellent sequel to the previous book 'After Flodden'. I enjoyed being involved with some of the same characters' lives again, who were portrayed very realistically and vividly. I can highly recommend both novels to historical fiction fans, especially those who enjoy Scottish history.

Many thanks to Lovereading.co.uk for giving me the opportunity to read and review Dacre's War. I look forward to reading Rosemary Goring's next book. show less