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By: CHCH 423
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2025-06-25 13:28:01 |
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Generated a lot of discussion. Some confusion over whether it was fiction or nonfiction. The novel was well-written. |
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By: CLARK 001
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2022-11-21 13:18:51 |
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High rating due to the interesting topic, good length of book and portrayal of characters. Fascinating insight into the legal system of the time; and eloquent style. |
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By: CLARK 001
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2022-10-17 14:47:31 |
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Everyone found it a compelling and worthwhile read. A sad and tragic story that needed to be told. |
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By: NEWP 016
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2022-10-14 09:11:21 |
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We all enjoyed this book and thought the writing was very clever to give the impression of a true event. We liked how the story was told. We felt there were a lot of undercurrents about certain people and you knew there was a whole lot more going on under the surface than what was written. The writing gave very good visual impact without onerous descriptions - we liked this book very much. |
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By: TARR 001
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2020-08-31 14:03:13 |
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An enlightening and 'squalid' description of a crofter family's existence in the Scottish highlands - a vigorous discussion ensuing. |
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By: TAUR 035
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2020-05-28 18:11:40 |
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The majority thought the novel cleverly written, with great insight into the desperate lives of many at that time. It raised a lot of interesting points, though we did find it depressingly violent. But overall quite a good book and it produced an interesting Zoom discussion between about 2/3rds of our group. |
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By: AUCK 135
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2019-11-22 12:22:17 |
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It was a clever concept with excellent writing. It was an intense read! |
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By: CHCH 397
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2019-11-11 14:51:07 |
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Not as 'heavy' as expected. Well-written:-) Would recommend. |
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By: CHCH 137
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2019-11-11 14:50:06 |
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Very well-written though regarded as a "harsh read". Everyone could understand why Roddy acted the way he did - he had quite a bit to avenge! We were all appalled by the living conditions of the 'peasants' - the serfs of Russia may have been better off! |
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By: AUCK 279
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2019-11-11 14:48:00 |
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Beautifully written. Gave us all food for thought. |
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By: KATIK 003
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2019-11-01 14:33:29 |
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This was a book you had to read well past the introduction to get into it. From then on it was an interesting read. |
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By: AUCK 293
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2019-10-16 14:40:29 |
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This book is a gripping, fascinating read. Even though Roddy commits 3 gruesome murders we all felt some empathy towards him. What a sad, bleak existence these crofters lived - there was very little joy in their lives. A very well-written story. |
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By: CHCH 397
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2019-10-11 12:26:21 |
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Not as 'heavy' as expected. Well-written. Would recommend. |
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By: CHCH 299
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2019-09-12 13:02:27 |
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A mixed reaction to this book, from members who loved it and thought the story compelling, the descriptions evocative, and the subject matter gripping - to those who struggled to read it and were surprised the book won awards. The subject matter of the appalling living conditions of Scottish crofters at the time and the criminal justice system made for a good discussion, as did the way the story was told, where you didn't always know who to believe. |
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By: TAUR 016
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2019-08-23 14:09:31 |
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What a compelling read and so descriptive. At times some scenes were very graphic and hard to read. The themes of sexual and domestic abuse, power over others led to great discussion. Sadly some of these themes continue today. The clever writing made us ponder issues long and hard. We highly recommend this book! |
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