O Caledonia

“This is the only novel Barker wrote (it was published when she was 51), but why bother writing more if you can write something as absolutely perfect as this? Here, Barker relates the story of Janet, whose brief life is shaped by place and misunderstanding and circumstance as she grows up in a world of squalid privilege in mid-century Scotland. The feeling for nature is extraordinary, as is the depiction of the ways that innocence can be misconstrued and misunderstood, and how difficult it is to be a self that does not fit in the world in the expected ways. This is writing that reveals the gap between what is commonly considered beautiful and true sublimity.”

“It literally says "One of the best, least-known novels of the 21st Century" on the cover for a reason. It's gothic, opens with a murder yet isn't really a murder mystery, features a misunderstood young female protagonist, a falling down, musty Scottish castle, loads of nature and animal love, and plenty of big words and Scottish phrases I had to look up along the way. 5 stars!”

“The shocking beginning and final act of this book are but bookends to one of the finest interior characterizations I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Not to mention, Barker’s boundless vocabulary, used to hilarious effect. To quote: “Janet began to hate the sea. There was so much of it, flowing, counter-flowing, entering other seas, slyly furthering its interests beyond the mind’s reckoning; no wonder it could pass itself off as sky; it was infinite, a voracious marine confederacy.””

“Loved, loved, loved it. Funny and heartbreaking and breathtaking, all at the same time.”