Set in the 1920s, this marvellously sensitive autobiography recreates the varied community of Nairn, with its fishermen and townsfolk, its crofters and its prosperous upper-middle-classes. Nairn has witnessed many of the triumphs and tragedies of Scottish history, and these are recalled with intuitive understanding. But it is also the scene of David Thomson's formative years when he suffered an eye injury which nearly blinded him and shaped his whole future.

Winner of the McVitie's Prize and the first NCR Book Award For Non-Fiction

'Thomson has a Proust-like memory for detail and everything seems to fit the place and time' - Financial Times

About the Author
David Thomson was born in India in 1914 to Scottish parents, but grew up in Scotland and Derbyshire. He is the author of The People of the Sea, In Camden Town and Woodbrook. He developed a career in writing and at the BBC. He died in 1988.

Reviews
The effect might echo Proust, or Alain-Fournier; the tone is completely distinctive -- Roy Foster * Observer *
Long matured, an exceptional malt of the mind... David Thomson's book is one that can be returned to time and time again to refresh with its vision and the brilliance of its writing * Herald *
His writing combines a feel for the "this-worldness" of his characters' lives with an understanding of the "otherworldness" they keep a place for in their consciousness. Which is a way of saying that the stylistic achievement depends upon a deep imaginative sympathy * Guardian *
A brilliantly original mix of love story, memoir and history -- Brian Moore


Awards
Winner of McVities Prize for Scottish Writer of the Year 1987.



Book Information
ISBN 9780099599906
Author David Thomson
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Vintage
Publisher Vintage Publishing
Weight(grams) 224g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 20mm