Customer Reviews:
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 One of the best books I have ever read...I dare you not to cry! November 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'd never heard of this book before starting on a literature course, but I'm so glad I discovered it. Don't be put off by the 'product descripton' given above, or the Scottish vernacular which you'll encounter on every page, and certainly not by the 'literature' tag. It is above all the story of Chris Guthrie, a crofter's daughter, in the years before the First World War. As she grows from schoolgirl to womanhood, Chris makes the choice to give up her dream of teaching and farm the family croft after the death of her father. It's a beautiful, sad (yet ultimately life affirming) novel of hard work, hope, love, pain, politics, wonderfully realistic characters and incorrigible village gossip! Give it a go - you won't be sorry. I intend to read the rest of the trilogy - "A Scotch Quair" as soon as possible.
well worth a read September 21, 2008
Like others on here I first read Sunset Song for Higher English, loved it then and still love it after reading it again a few more times. This is the only book that has made me laugh out loud, and then cry just a few pages later. It's also the only book where I've fell in love with one of the characters (Long Rob of the mill). I know he's fictional but he's my perfect man haha! The language is a bit weird at first but once you get into it, you might find you actually start using some of the words in your own conversations. Deservedly voted Scotland's favourite book in 2006.
A fantastic, moving novel - if hard to read at first! July 20, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Many people seem to think this novel is "about" Chris, the central female character. Personally I thought it was about rural Scottish life in the early 1900's, and how a particular community comes to be affected by issues far outside of its own borders and its own control.
The close relationships and way of life within a community such as this, means that even very trivial events or actions carried out by an individual all carry great importance to others. Gossip and rumour necessarily play a significant role in the novel.
The unique writing style of the novel does initially make it very hard to read. Sentences are long, and are often not restricted to a single subject or idea, but once the reader learns to engage with the narrator and understands the style, it is like being told a story by a trusted friend.
By the end of the novel, the reader can closely identify with each of the characters, and as their individual fates are decided, it is impossible not to feel a high degree of sympathy for each of them. I personally found it a very moving read - but must admit that had I not had to study this book as part of my degree, I may well have put it down early on and not picked it back up - that would truly have been a great shame. Stick with it, and you will be glad you did!
My favourite book. July 19, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
A beautiful book, full of beautiful language. This book engages the reader and paints a beautiful picture of life before the first world war and through it. I have read this book so many times and yet it still reduces me to tears. The book is on the Scottish higher curriculum, and so many people's memory of it is of a boring, scholarly dissection. It should be read for pleasure.
 very real and honest portrayal of a young woman March 6, 2007
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I admit first of all, I found the dialect of this book difficult to get into. Thank God there was a list of translations at the back. However after I got into the rhythm of the language, the story itself revealed the truth, hardship and joy of a farmers life.
Chris the heroine, gives up her dreams of becomming a teacher, and any fancy notions to work her family farm.
The brutality and drive of her father, and his incredible influence over the whole family unit, is uncompromising.
Gibbon, brings the whole community of Blawarie, to the book, their prejudices and ways of dealing with issues.
The depiction of how WW1 affects the community is brilliant in its understatement and utter devastation, not only of people but of a whole way of life and it's effect on the environment.
Sunset song reads like a song, a ballad of a way of life, that WW1 helped destroy.
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