‘The overall effect is of being at your auntie’s, of listening to an enthusiastic storyteller, of the fascination of taking a microscope to seemingly ordinary lives, seemingly mundane situations, and bringing them into dramatic focus’ – Scotland on Sunday ‘Henderson writes from a position of uncompromising humanity. A strong, atmospheric writer with gifts of insight, she has a sharp and tarry black humour, so while she attacks the objects of her wrath, she leavens the battle with a running current of dark and infectious wit’ – Sunday Herald Kathy Kelly, born in the heart of Glasgow's East End, comes from a family torn apart by conflict. She grows up with a sharp wit and a quick temper, constantly challenging those who cross her: her reproving grandmother, Con, her hard-drinking father, even the local priest – Kathy takes no prisoners. But at least she copes, unlike her older brother Peter, who disappears as fast as he can. Kathy also...

‘This novel has it all – humour amid the sadness, bravery, hope, love and the tragedy of young lives lived and lost during World War II’ – Aberdeen Press & Journal ‘The author of “Second Sight”, Meg Henderson is one of Scotland’s bestselling novelists and here she presents us with another hugely absorbing story’ – Cork Evening Echo ‘Henderson’s evocation of women’s wartime experiences is compelling’ – Glasgow Herald ‘Keep the hankies nearby for this truly beautiful, bittersweet story of love, loss and an indomitable woman who refuses to be broken’ – Scottish Daily Record Growing up in a family whose only interest is her older sister, a precociously talented singer, Daisy learns early on how to cope with disappointment and rejection. Strikingly attractive, Daisy is determined to break free and live life on her own terms. Then a despicable act of violence gives her no choice but to...

‘Relating the three women’s histories in overlapping sequence, Henderson weaves a warmly approachable, robustly character-based narrative, deftly infused with idioms and cadences. A convincing, thoughtfully-wrought portrayal of how economics and the elements interact with the individual’ – Scotland on Sunday ‘A moving commemoration of what may prove to be a dying industry and way of life’ – Sunday Herald ‘Heartfelt and relevant. Brings the past alive. Stuffed full of a larger than life cast whose eccentricities and suspicions produce funny set-pieces, with more than a touch of the vital spark about them’ – The Herald This rich and moving saga tells the story of Ina, Margo and Rose – grandmother, daughter and granddaughter – from the small fishing community of Acarsaid on the west coast of Scotland. Each has led a very different existence, but all three find themselves, despite their restless spirits, caught up in the...