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| Author | Topic: GoodbyeGlasgow, hello New York |
| Gerald Wiener |
posted 10/12/08 9:00 AM
Dear members of the St Andrew's Society of Central Illinois As you will know, "Homecoming Scotland 2009" is intended to make the many millions abroad who are Scots by ancestry or have other Scottish connections to reconnect with Scotland - and the culture, heritage and way of life of its people. The novel, "Marching in Scotland, Dancing in New York" by Margaret Dunlop relates brilliantly to that theme. It is set in the 1920's and 30's and is a snapshot of the life of ordinary people of those times and of events and places that are part of Scottish heritage. The book captures the mood and the social scene of the 1920's and 30's through the life of real people. Life that includes fun, celebration, tragedy, love and temptation but also the difficulties of coping with unemployment against the background of the Depression of the 1930's and, in the USA, the Wall Street crash. Much of the novel is set in Glasgow but it travels to other celebrated parts of Scotland. A parallel story is played out in New York to where one of the protagonists emigrates to seek a better life but also with some unforeseen consequences. The book is an excellent read, but it is also a small piece of living history. I hope some of you have already read this Scottish novel, but I want to draw it to your attention (again if need be). You will not be disappointed. Also, with the approach of Christmas, this book would make a splendid gift for those with an interest in Scotland and life of a different era which will be, for many readers, the generation of their parents or grandparents. The author, Margaret Dunlop, was born and brought up in Scotland where she still lives. She has based the book on personal recollections from family and friends and on relevant research. More information can be obtained on the web-site www.margaretdunlop.com or by contacting me. The book (ISBN 978-1906050-19-1) should be available through most good booksellers or via Internet suppliers like Amazon, or Books from Scotland. Regards Gerald Wiener, FRSE (for Margaret Dunlop) |
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