Memoirs aren’t my thing, but the writing was delicious enough to carry me through this story.

I am born and bred in Scotland (lowlands) — and I mean it when I say that reading this book made me feel like an outsider in my own country. Liptrot’s gradual sober rediscovery of her beautiful alien world  was a fascinating read.

In comparison, the beginning was hampered by a disconnected feeling. It was as if I was reading the experience through cotton wool. This contrasted quite heavily with the visceral, sober retelling of the latter two-thirds of the book. I don’t know if this was intentional but it left me feeling unsatisfied. 

It was also much too long. I feel like it could’ve been quite a bit shorter, with some sections feeling a tad over indulgent. Great writing covers a multitude of sins, however. 

Recommend.