I am a relative newcomer to historical fiction, but the fact that I have read my second Amanda Curtin book in a fairly short period of time speaks volumes of the author's skill in constructing interesting and realistic stories that pick you up as a reader and sweep you along on a true journey.
Meggie Tulloch is advancing in her years and has made a pact she will record stories from her early life in the wilds of Scotland for her granddaughter Laura, whom she affectionately calls Lambsie. We soon learn Meggie's childhood was not an easy one, brought up as she was in a tiny fishing community on the Scottish coast. Locals have accepted their life is a harsh one, governed by the freezing sea and bitter winds that are an ever present force. From an early age Meggie and her sister Kitta are saddled with chores and conditioned to believe that their lives as females will follow one bleak path only. Yet Meggie dreams of escape and through chance and circumstance she does eventually break free.
Meggie has her first taste of a life outside Roanhaven when she secures work as a gutting girl at the age of 14. It is horrible, repetative backbreaking work, yet the sense of freedom it offers is intoxicating to Meggie. It is also here that she meets Magnus Tulloch, her first true love whom she eventually marries and moves to the other side of the world with in the hope of a better life.
The story switches between Meggies early life in the form of journal entries and a normal narrative in the early 1970s (in which Meggie is hoping to have the stories ready for Laura's 21st). This eventually gives way to a modern day thread, which introduces the middle aged Laura and sees her finally come across Meggie's journal. This was done seamlessly, yet deliberately - with the difference in the two modes of storytelling quite distinct.
Elemental is a beautifully written book, full of rich language and quaint, authentic Scottish expressions. It was through this language that I as a reader was transported to the bleak shores of Roanhaven and immersed in the tribulations of Meggie's life.
Overall a sad, moving yet inspirational story of an amazing life journey that captivated me from start to finish.
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