The Year of the Stranger

Allan Campbell McLean

Availability:
Out of print

Quick Look

'A riveting story of harsh injustices and prejudices that turns into a strange parable... a climax that has almost visionary quality. Mr McLean is a very powerful writer indeed.' -- The Guardian

Format:
paperback
Size:
180 x 110 mm
Publisher:
Floris Books
Subject:
Kelpies
Age Range:
From 10 to 13 years
Extent:
144 pages
ISBN:
9780862414856
Publication date:
01 Jan 1987
Series:
Kelpies

Description

The Stranger came to Skye in that terrible year of 1877, and with him came the sun and fresh hope. It was the year that Mata the tinker had died a brutal death for salmon poaching. A blight fell on the crofting village so it seemed cursed forever. And Calum Og had been beaten senseless by his uncle, but had gained his liberty.

Calum Og survives the resulting havoc of the stranger's visit, and discovers his secret as well as the glory of the Cave of Gold …

Reviews

'A riveting story of harsh injustices and prejudices that turns into a strange parable... a climax that has almost visionary quality. Mr McLean is a very powerful writer indeed.'
-- The Guardian

'This haunting novel focuses on the clearance township of Uig on Skye in 1877. Calum's vivid flash-back narrative incorporates biblical and folktale elements. Its ambiguities will promote differing interpretations among young readers.'
-- Treasure Island: A guide to Scottish fiction for young readers aged 10-14, Summer 2003

Author

Allan Campbell McLean was born in 1922. After World War Two he wrote about his experiences of war in his pacifist novel The Glass House, and then turned his attention wholly to writing. He is the author of the children’s books The Master of Morgana, The Hill of the Red Fox, Storm over Skye and A Sound of Trumpets, also published in Kelpies.

Links

Also available by Allan Campbell McLean:
The Hill of the Red Fox
Ribbon of Fire

Don't miss the Discover Kelpies website for children with exclusive author interviews, fun stuff and latest gossip on your favourite Scottish stories.

Other Floris Books you might enjoy:

Just feel like browsing?

Browse our catalogues

Interested in an author?

Discover authors