Book Review: Fraser's Voices by Jack Hastie

                               

On receiving this book, courtesy of the publisher - Matador Publishing, I made a couple of snap judgments based on the appearance of the book and also the synopsis. Initially it appeared as if the book might be a little bit exaggerated due to both the book cover and also the discovery that the main character is able to speak to animals. Both of these aspects didn't really sit comfortably with me. In fact at some point in the past this would have really put me off reading the book. However, knowing the track record of books that have been published by this company, I was more than prepared to give this book a chance and . . . . I'm so glad that I did.

This story is beautifully written. Set in Argyll, the West Highlands of Scotland, Fraser tells the story of a ten year old boy who sudenly discovers that he can speak to animals. This gift is associated with a rare and mysterious illness known as "Tumblings of the Mind". However, once in remission, then this unusual ability fades.

The onset of Fraser's recurring illness and some of the tragic events that unfold are immensely tough on the heart strings. One moment the story is full of happiness; the next it's full of sadness. It's a natural roller-coaster of rural life which is depicted brilliantly. I really enjoyed the dialogue between Fraser and the animals - this was particularly engrossing and also educational. Full of factual information, it will definitely have you hooked. 

Delivered in five short sections, each section is part of a bigger tale, all breathtaking and gripping to read. The author's understanding of animals, the countryside and the natural surroundings of the Scottish Highlands is stunning. It really makes this book for me - I felt like I was back on the Isle of Mull re-living my holiday. I certainly felt like I was able to visualise the adventure being played out in front of my eyes . . . I could almost touch it with my bare hands. One-eyed fox, Nephesh the owl and Barook the badger are literally the stars of the show and help Fraser to solve some rather puzzling mysteries in a unique and special way.

The author aimed to be true to the psychology of the animals, which he has achieved. He has also achieved a very engaging story which is original and not at all cliched. He has managed to set a magical fantasy world in the Scottish Highlands - this is a very exciting and interesting prospect for readers of all ages from 10+. This is a particularly memorable and touching traditionally told tale. I have no hesitation in awarding this book full marks - I'm so glad that I was not influenced by my initial thoughts. 

• Published by Matador (28 Feb 2013)

Arthur Slade - Dust - Recommended Read

                                     

This is a book that I actually read about six years ago but still it is one that I would like to recommend to you all. It's a dark horror story,  that has been written with such vivid imagination, that it will soak you to the core with its atmospheric writing. I hope to be able to  re-read this book at some point as I would like to enjoy it once more.  This book is now available in all formats for the very first time, so for more information, please check out the author's blog  for an extended first chapter.  Arthur Slade

This is part of the first chapter ......

Matthew Steelgate had five cents in his pocket and a yearning for chewing gum and licorice. He wasn't sure which he wanted most, but knew he could buy both and have at least a penny left over. He walked along the edge of the grid road, three miles from his family's farm and about two miles from Horshoe. The sky was cloudless.

The sun had shifted nearer to the earth in the last half hour, so near that the air crackled with heat. Matthew, following his mother's bidding, had worn a straw hat. Like his father, his neck was tanned brown, along with his face, hands, and forearms to the line where he rolled up his sleeves. The prairie had marked Matthew as one of its own. He understood the connection between himself and the land, understood that he belonged there; when the wind blew, when the rain dotted his face, when the snow fell, he belonged. When the sun darkened his skin, he knew the invisible rays were also working on the field of wheat beside him.

He patted his shirt pocket and was rewarded with a muffled clinking. He had spent three weeks saving this cache of coins, payment for helping his older brother Robert with chores. Three weeks dreaming about town. About candy.