Why a Booktrail?
WW2 : a drama from the writer of Water for Elephants? Set in the Scottish highlands, with the village of Drumnadrochit and the story of Nessie adding myth to the sense of war time mystery.
At the Water’s Edge
What you need to know before your trail
Married couple Maddie and Ellis Hyde enjoy all the perks that the highlife in 1942 Philadelphia can offer but following an embarrassing themselves at the social event of the year, they are cut off financially from Ellis’ father. A former Colonel, he’s already embarrassed by the fact that his son is colour blind so can not serve his country in WW2.
Ellis decides that the way to get back into this father’s guide books is to succeed at something his father never did – to find the elusive Loch Ness Monster. So, he and Maddie, joined by rich friend Hank swap the high life for the highlands and travel all the way to Scotland.
But war is never far away and whilst the two men hunt for the elusive monster, Maddie is alone to find her new way in life and to discover other things which have been hidden under calm waters for too long..
Travel Guide
Ah the magic of Scotland and the lure of the Loch Ness Monster. The openig scene draws the reader straight into the remote and Loch Ness setting -to the village of Drumnadrochit known for its Nessie associations.
1944 Philadelphia
High society Philadelphia is awash with champagne, good times and chandeliers. cocktails and footmen. So the challenge to head off half way across the world seems extreme especially to Maddie. Life here is good but empty. The marriage of Maddie and Ellis all not what it should be.
1945 Scottish Highlands
The hunt for Nessie begins when the Americans are driving trough the Scottish highlands during wartime. There is still a blackout so conditions on the rural roads are more difficult than ever, the air is frigid and the sheep bleating. Such a contrast to their life before.
As they enter a world where the no nonsense locals will not pander to their every need, where the war still hangs over everyone and everything and where the mist takes no prisoners
“She paused at the top, staring at the blackness of the loch. Thousands of tiny whitecaps danced on its surface,seeming to move in the opposite direction to the water”
The Scottish highlands during wartime is a unique and poignant setting. Add in the mystical stories of Scottish folklore and the myth surrounding the Monster and how it has captivated people for many many years.
“Something happened one day when he was out on the loch and he hasn’t set foot on a boat since. And neither will he discuss it.”
But wartime looms large and whilst the men are distracted in their new pastime, Maddie searches for and finds something of her own.
Booktrailer Review
Susan:
Don’t let the idea of Nessie hunting put you off – this is a story of privileged kids from America finding their way in a no nonsense Scottish village. The locals don’t take any prisoners and the Scottish humour weaves its way in through the pages. Strangers finding their way in the rugged highlands. Always good for a story.
The wartime angle and life in Drumnadrochit during the war with many real events woven in to the plot was a nice and interesting touch. Life in the villages at this time must have been tougher than most but the spirit of those there has to be admired. This novel however is the story of Maddie finding her way in the world away from her husband and life back home. Maddie joins in with local life (maybe a little too much) but at least she tries to blend in whereas the others don’t.
An unusual premise for a novel but the mix creates a unique setting for a story where sometimes fact is stranger than fiction.
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