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A review by bgg616
Between Weathers: Travels in 21st Century Shetland by Ron McMillan
5.0
Between weathers is a Shetland term that seems to refer to a fine day. McMillan spent a number of weeks exploring the geography, history, landscape and people of the Shetland Islands, a place that locals simply call Shetland. It is a remarkable place. There are off shore islands, such as Foula, which are easily visible from shore, and very difficult to reach. There are islands where local feuds undermine community unity.
McMillan also shares a great deal of local history. Before the oil boom, Shetland was a poor place. In past centuries, lairds ruled over their lives, and were often merciless. I have been to Shetland twice, and it is a place I plan to visit again. MacMillan shares just how much there is to see in Shetland. Much of what MacMillan accomplished is not for the faint hearted, as he describes climbing up to sea cliffs in order to experience the unparalleled views that Shetland provides.
As a lover of Shetland knitting, Shetland sheep and wool, and the whole history of Shetland fiber, this was one aspect of Shetland that I missed in his book. However, I do have a number of books on those topics. MacMillan's book is a must-read for anyone interested in Shetland, Scotland, and islands.
McMillan also shares a great deal of local history. Before the oil boom, Shetland was a poor place. In past centuries, lairds ruled over their lives, and were often merciless. I have been to Shetland twice, and it is a place I plan to visit again. MacMillan shares just how much there is to see in Shetland. Much of what MacMillan accomplished is not for the faint hearted, as he describes climbing up to sea cliffs in order to experience the unparalleled views that Shetland provides.
As a lover of Shetland knitting, Shetland sheep and wool, and the whole history of Shetland fiber, this was one aspect of Shetland that I missed in his book. However, I do have a number of books on those topics. MacMillan's book is a must-read for anyone interested in Shetland, Scotland, and islands.