In a secured room in Glasgow, Scotland, Angus Young recounts his life to the suited man sitting before him. Once he told his story to entertain, now he’s telling it to save his life.
When Angus made the decision to leave the Outer Hebridean island of Hirta for a better, less hazardous life on the Scottish mainland, he never imagined he would end up engaging in battle on the Somme.
As they wait in the trenches in France, Angus delights his fellow soldiers with tales of growing up on Hirta. Enthralled by descriptions of the dangerous clifftop exploits he had to undertake in order to survive, Angus gives them a glimpse into the closed-off but tightknit island community.
But he soon discovers that danger doesn’t just lurk in the obvious places.
When he upsets the rancorous Sergeant McGarry during basic training, a lifetime of bitterness has the potential to disrupt everything.
Angus’ future now hangs in the balance, and his ability to account for his decisions is the only thing that can tip it in the right direction.
This sweeping coming-of-age Scottish saga is perfect for readers of Ken Follett and Peter Rimmer.