O Caledonia

A Novel

By: Elspeth Barker

Narrated by: Eilidh Beaton

In the tradition of Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle, a darkly humorous modern classic of Scottish literature about a doomed adolescent growing up in the mid-19th century—featuring a new introduction by Maggie O’Farrell, award-winning author of Hamnet.

Janet lies murdered beneath the castle stairs, attired in her mother’s black lace wedding dress, lamented only by her pet jackdaw…

​Author Elspeth Barker masterfully evokes the harsh climate of Scotland in this atmospheric gothic tale that has been compared to the works of the Brontës, Edgar Allan Poe, and Edward Gorey. Immersed in a world of isolation and loneliness, Barker’s ill-fated young heroine Janet turns to literature, nature, and her Aunt Lila, who offers brief flashes of respite in an otherwise foreboding life. People, birds, and beasts move through the background in a tale that is as rich and atmospheric as it is witty and mordant. The family’s motto—Moriens sed Invictus (Dying but Unconquered)—is a well-suited epitaph for wild and courageous Janet, whose fierce determination to remain steadfastly herself makes her one of the most unforgettable protagonists in contemporary literature.

Excellent narration

The three stars are for the writing and the unfolding of the very end. I could not like the setting or any of the characters. I listened to the audiobook and the narration is superb but overall the story left me feeling bleak and cold.

Dull

Really just dreadfully dull. Some lovely writing (particularly at the beginning), but feels like the same thing being described over and over.

Brilliant!

Fans of Shirley Jackson will fall in love with Janet. A dark story, but fascinating, it brings to mind stories like I Capture the Castle and the Haunting of Hill House. One of the realest and most interesting characters I’ve ever read. I think I’ve never related more to a fictional character, whose internal struggles with humanity are incredibly poignant. Her feelings for animals and books, nature and mythology are probably confusing for some, however they will strike a chord with certain readers and will not soon be forgotten.

Beautiful writing

And beautiful reading. I re listened to many parts several times. Very bizarre story. Very different book.

Disappointing

This story was entertaining and amusing all the way up to the jarring ending which did not fit at all.