Song of Sula

I first read this book several years ago. On re-reading it my opinions have not altered. This is a beautiful novel about a young lad's life on a Scottish island; events and characters weave a heart-warming tapestry which closely harmonises with the everchanging mood of land, sea and sky. The hero, Magnus, is taciturn and just entering his teens. His emotions colour his actions, and closely involve the reader. A must for the library and the classroom. The cover suggests the book is for readers of eight upwards. To my mid the delicate unravelling of Magnus' character suggests a more sophisticated top junior (or older) reader. The illustrations are perfectly balanced with the mood of the story. Canongate, the publishers, acknowledge a subsidy from the Scottish Arts Council towards publication of Song of Sula. Such enlightenment is to be encouraged - would that other Arts Councils could follow suit!