Susan Fletcher

5*****

Enchanting

This is a tremendous book on so many levels. The writing is superb – poetic and descriptive to the point where I wanted to go to Scotland immediately, just to see Glencoe for myself.

With her central character, Susan Fletcher makes the case for the odd-looking, odd-thinking individuals in our midst – yes, they are different, but are they evil? Answer no, certainly not in the case of Corrag, the young girl driven out by her ‘difference’. Her story was both dreadful and enchanting – I was utterly convinced by her journey to the north, and by her ability to survive the appalling conditions of weather, environment, and human cruelty. I found myself longing – like her interrogator Mr Leslie – for her to escape the terrible fate which awaits her.

This novel is one of the best examples of historical fiction, in that it reveals the truth of events that have slipped on the scale of general awareness. I had imagined that the Massacre of Glencoe was a battle – not so. It was betrayal on a grand scale – and Ms Fletcher describes it in powerful prose through the eyes of ‘one who was there.’

‘Witch Light’ or ‘The Highland Witch’ in the US (a more appealing title, I think) is a remarkable read. I look forward to more by this author. Highly recommended.