And the Land Lay Still

This is an epic of modern Scotland. From the vanishing species of the tartan Tory to the pro independence activist; the working classes to the property millionaires; boarding schools to council houses; folk singers and spies - everyone gets a look in to a book built around a photographer and a shell shocked war veteran, both in their own ways attached to the land. Is it a propaganda piece for independence? Not quite, but perhaps. Either way, it's a serious book, where the inter locking stories mesh cleverly into a rich pattern

A fascinating and grand book that taught me a lot about Scottish political, economic and social development in the second half of the 20th century (starting post WWII ) as well as portraying their traditions and mores, and all this as background to the human stories involved. A narrative of characters that started out as totally separate stories but as time progressed their relationships were revealed to be interwoven. It was a superbly written book with a complex and finely developed structure. My only complaint was its length (688 pages of small print), but since the book was made up of separate stories that could be read independent wholes, you could take a breather in between and still have the satisfaction of a complete story. show more Actually I took such a breather at one point that I forgot who was who as there were quite a few characters show less

I set myself a challenge for my last book of 2021, to read this book in four days - 671 pages worth of fairly dense print. Fortunately it is a very enjoyable read, particularly for those of us with an interest in British history and politics, and more specifically Scotland and the history of the devolution and independence movement since the War. Having greatly enjoyed [b:The Testament of Gideon Mack|850256|The Testament of Gideon Mack|James Robertson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347966719l/850256._SY75_.jpg|835768] this was no surprise to me.

This is an ambitious and largely successful book, which mixes the personal and the political very effectively. The book is in six parts, interspersed with show more short italicised fragments that turn out to be the heart of the story. The first three parts follow specific characters, the final three switch focus frequently among a larger cast. The mysterious linking figure is Jack, a veteran of the Burma railway whose experiences cause him to walk out of his family home to lead an itinerant life roaming round the wilder parts of Scotland. There are plenty of other links between the three main parts, and the stories interweave more in the later parts. show less

A fantastically intricate and accurate protrayal of post-war Scotland, much of which experienced as I grew up. At 600 pages it’s also been something of a long haul, and in this respect reminded me of The Lacuna. But Kingsolver’s view of US history and politics had the advantage of a single and wholly engaging central character, whereas Robertson has a wider camera angle, encompassing the families of miners, tradesmen and the Scottish upper classes as they struggle to keep their feet in the shifting sands of political power as well as economic and social change. According to the blurb, the book ‘brilliantly blends the personal and the political’, but I think that there are moments when with so many characters telling so many show more stories (and with Robertson intent on filling in all the background political detail) the personal does sometimes get lost, and there are many characters (like Billy Lennie and Barbara Gordon) whose stories are skimmed over and who could have had whole novels to themselves! But this, I think, is all part of Robertson’s plan, to paint some areas with a broad brush while dwelling on others in loving detail. The ending is certainly worthy of a great novel, with the many strands coming together in one climactic scene. It’s a book that I suspect will stay with me long after I have laid it aside, and is a uniquely authentic view of how present-day Scotland has come into being. show less

Robertson’s earlier novel, the Diary of Gideon Mack was engagingly and imaginatively written. And The Land Lay Still is a worthy successor, a fictional account of the evolution of Scottish society and politics during the second half of the 20th century. The characters are convincing, the break down of conventional codes of behaviour explained with clarity. I’ve given this novel a high rating, but it would have been even higher but for two faults. The first only became evident occasionally; some pruning might have improved the book’s flow. The second fault was at times highly irritating – the author’s determination to impose his Scottish nationalist sympathies on the reader. Fair enough for nationalism to feature, given it was show more a significant part of the Scottish politics for some – but by no means all – of this era, but Robertson is not subtle about expressing his political preferences. At times you’re left with the impression that all known problems would be solved by Scottish independence and that you’re just reading political propaganda. That significant reservation aside, this is worth reading for anyone with an interest in Scottish history. show less

An intricately crafted social and political history of Scotland through the second half of the twentieth century, told through the personal accounts of an eclectic mix of characters whose lives intersect and occasionally intertwine. There is undoubtedly a strong focus on the development of the Scotish independence movement but it is well set within both individual lives and the broader swathe of social change.
I read this, my second James Robertson, after To Be Continued. They are so different I wondered if there were two James Robertsons and had to check that they were actually by the same author. Both are outstanding. 13 November 2018

Michael's opening story begins beautifully, with many compelling possibilities.
Unfortunately, it segues into the boring saga of head egoist Jean Barbour.

The second story, that of Don and Jack, could inspire women to have one baby and file for divorce on the same day.

Great, if very long, updates on the history and recent political events in Scotland weave through book. Focus on Independence is welcome.

Peter Bond's story is also boring and long.

4th tale early features Ellen's Grandparents, Dey and Nana with the strong theme of capitalists vs labor, notably in mines.

I love the message from Angus - Trust The Story.