Favorite Scottish Book/Novel/Series?

[Laochri MacTalabh]

I have seen threads on Movies and T.V. Shows. I have not come across a thread about books, novels, or series.

So, What is your Favorite Scottish Book/Novel/Series?
Mine is "The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. Diana is a remarkable author. She researches her ideas to historical accuracy (for the most part). The series is listed as;

Outlander (published in the UK under the title CROSS STITCH)
Dragonfly In Amber
Voyager
Drums of Autumn
The Fiery Cross
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
An Echo In The Bone

then there is the Lord John Grey series listed as;
LORD JOHN AND THE PRIVATE MATTER
LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS
LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE
THE SCOTTISH PRISONER
Enjoy

[Bugbear]

It's been a while, but...
My thread, "Descriptions of Highland Attire in the Katherine Kurtz Adept Series"

[Lime]

I really enjoyed Gavin Maxwell's "Ring of Bright Water" (I haven't seen the film).

I think he was a romantic at heart but seemed to be extremely concious of it in his writing so was purposefully very direct and matter of fact with his most intimate thoughts, fears, loves and feelings so you end up with an endearingly honest book.

It is a little snapshot of someone who did not consider himself a Highlander (there is an interesting point where he talks about the "patent inauthenticity" of the Maxwell Tartan) but wanted to be and threw himself into what he considered a Highland way of life in an attempt to "earn"acceptance almost bankrupting himself on his first attempt, then moving away for long periods of time but always being drawn back.

The book I have also has some wonderful pencil drawings of his second otter (Mij) swimming in a tank... I shan't ruin the rest of it for you.

[Blackrose87]

Any Irvine Welsh, particularly Trainspotting. I do some work in different rehab and addiction services here in Edinburgh, so I know the nooks are very realistic. I've also had the opportunity to hear Irvine give a few lectures at my university, which were all very interesting, and gave great insight into the working class history of Edinburgh over the last half century.

[Mither Tap]

The McAuslan series of short stories by George MacDonald Fraser are always good for a laugh.

In fact pretty much anything by GMF is worth a read.

Chris s

[gary meakin]

I enjoy M. C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth mystery series

[Lime]

The McAuslan series of short stories by George MacDonald Fraser are always good for a laugh.

In fact pretty much anything by GMF is worth a read.

Chris s

Flashman! I love it!

[tulloch]

Going back years and years Seal Morning by Rowena Farr is still an outstanding book in my life.

[mayberry]

The Crofter and the Laird, by John McPhee. The writer (well known for his New Yorker pieces examining in detail various human endeavours, activities, pastimes, and inquiries) took his young family to Scotland to live in an old crofter's cottage. I haven't read it for years, but I feel as though I gained some insight into the social history of the highlands from it. McPhee is a lovely writer, with an engaging curiosity.

[Tony]

Iain Banks has written a fair number of Scotland based/Scottish themed books.

Favorites among them - Crow Road, Espedair Street (one of his most mainstream) and The Bridge. The Bridge has a scottish barbarian who speaks in the venacular - good luck readin if yer no scottish.....


For sheer Scottish comic genius though, you can't beat Terry Pratchett's Nac Mac Feegle.