The Key Above the Door

Walsh's first book is not quite as accomplished as his later work - the plot veers a little into the realm of potboiler romance - but it's still filled with lyrical descriptions of the settings and deeply insightful character studies. A fine and rewarding book that strongly hints of the masterful works to come.

A great wee romance. Set on the banks of a Scottish loch, a woman must decide between two very different men and two very different ways of life. A bit sentimental, but very satisifying - I was beginning to wonder if they would ever sort themselves out. One of my favourite food moments is in this book - potatoes with salt, washed down with goat's milk.