O CALEDONIA!

Author: Elspeth Barker
Date released: August 15th, 2023*
Category: Literary Fiction

*I received an Advanced Reading Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Author Elspeth Barker masterfully evokes the harsh climate of Scotland in this atmospheric gothic tale that has been compared to the works of the Brontës, Edgar Allan Poe, and Edward Gorey. Immersed in a world of isolation and loneliness, Barker’s ill-fated young heroine Janet turns to literature, nature, and her Aunt Lila, who offers brief flashes of respite in an otherwise foreboding life. People, birds, and beasts move through the background in a tale that is as rich and atmospheric as it is witty and mordant. The family’s motto—Moriens sed Invictus (Dying but Unconquered)—is a well-suited epitaph for wild and courageous Janet, whose fierce determination to remain steadfastly herself makes her one of the most unforgettable protagonists in contemporary literature.

The UnReel Take:

Story: 6.0
Writing: 10
Characters: 10
Setting: 8.0

UnReel AR: 8.5

Bottom Line: I'm sad to say that I’d never heard of Elspeth Barker before the new edition of O Caledonia’s cover caught my eye, and that is a travesty because this book IS SO ABSURDLY GOOD.

The introduction is written by Maggie O'Farrell, author of Hamnet, and I think she summed up the story best with her quote "A surreal, hilarious, and dark story of a troubled adolescence deep in the wilds of Scotland. I once decided to become friends with someone on the sole basis that she named 'O Caledonia' as her favorite book." Honestly Maggie, I’d do the same damn thing. (Also, this is irrelevant to the review, but I've decided to read Hamnet based purely on the strength of O'Farrell's introduction.)

So, what is this book about? That's hard to answer but a fair synopsis would be that you enter the story knowing a teenage girl, Janet, has been murdered in rural Scotland and her parents don't really care. Which is… you know… alarming, but also super interesting. The story then jumps back to Janet's early childhood, and you follow her for the rest of her tragically short life. That's the plot anyway, but what this book is actually about includes: sibling bonds, betrayal, poor parenting, how isolating youth can be, and the influence of stories and literature on the young.

There's really not much more to say except that everyone should read this. It is beautiful and recognizable and un-put-down-able and will stay with you for a long, long time after you've finished it.

Ideal Reading Location: Ideally the Scottish highlands but really, anywhere will work as long as it’s raining.

Drink Pairing: Anything from Johnny Walker (Scotch).

Maybe your experience will be different!