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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
A bit disappointed really.
I loved the Ealing film as a child, and maybe I'm misremembering, but it was really funny.
The book seems to have the potential to be amusing, and sometimes manages this. On two little Scottish islands in World War Two (one Catholic, one protestant) whisky is running out. Providentially, a supply ship runs aground nearby containing thousands of cases of the said product. Before long, almost everyone is 'salvaging', and a lot happier. Only a few killjoys are trying to stop the fun.
There's a couple of side stories (the more interesting part a lot of the time) about two couples fighting to get married (one with an obstinate father, the other a wonderfully overbearing mother).
The film definitely 'salvaged' the best bits of the book and Ealing-ised the rest. Normally I enjoy period pieces, but this one just didn't hit the spot for me.
I loved the Ealing film as a child, and maybe I'm misremembering, but it was really funny.
The book seems to have the potential to be amusing, and sometimes manages this. On two little Scottish islands in World War Two (one Catholic, one protestant) whisky is running out. Providentially, a supply ship runs aground nearby containing thousands of cases of the said product. Before long, almost everyone is 'salvaging', and a lot happier. Only a few killjoys are trying to stop the fun.
There's a couple of side stories (the more interesting part a lot of the time) about two couples fighting to get married (one with an obstinate father, the other a wonderfully overbearing mother).
The film definitely 'salvaged' the best bits of the book and Ealing-ised the rest. Normally I enjoy period pieces, but this one just didn't hit the spot for me.
This was a funny and very relaxed read after a hiatus where I found it hard to pick up any book. It has comfortable characters (from the remote rural Hebrides) with simple, wholesome motivations (to get whiskey ot get married) and it has some hilarious moments. I imagine the movie to be as fun and wholesome. I also imagine that I completely ruined the Gaelic language when trying to read some of the phrases out loud, even with the phonetic spelling in the glossary!
The cover of this book was interesting, I was not sure if I needed to put on some 3D glasses or if I needed a drink of Whisky to see it properly!
There were a lot of characters on this story which made it difficult to follow at times. Also it was written in the dialect of the area which took a bit of getting used too. The story on the whole was quite entertaining and I was pleased when George eventually stood up to his mum.
There were a lot of characters on this story which made it difficult to follow at times. Also it was written in the dialect of the area which took a bit of getting used too. The story on the whole was quite entertaining and I was pleased when George eventually stood up to his mum.
I couldn't write my own novel set on the Isle of Barra, and visit the island, without also picking up a copy and reading the most famous novel to feature the island, written by one of its most famous residents. A comic delight, some of it laugh out loud. A gentle tale of manners and culture clash, and a perfect glimpse into the way of life of the islands during the war.
Cute story about the shenanigans that ensue when the whisky (and, for that matter, beer) supply ran out on the island due to wartime rationing. Certainly a crisis in Highland (or perhaps better island) Scotland. The fun begins when a ship, with 15,000 cases of whisky onboard, runs aground. Definitely a product of its time, but also an enjoyable read.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very funny but very much of its time. Will make you want whisky.
A classic comfort read. Funny and warm in a classic style. And not just because of all the whisky.