Emotional Geology by Linda GillardBack-of-the-book blurb: Rose Leonard is on the run from her life. Taking refuge in a remote island community, she cocoons herself in work, silence and solitude in a house by the sea. But she is haunted by her past, by memories and desires she’d hoped were long dead. Rose must decide whether she has in fact chosen a new life or just a different kind of death. Life and love are offered by new friends, her lonely daughter, and most of all Calum, a fragile younger man who has his own demons to exorcise. But does Rose, with her tenuous hold on life and sanity, have the courage to say yes to life and put her past behind her?
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: It’s very fitting that I’m posting this review on Earth Day, as Linda Gillard shows us not only the nature and depth of her characters, but that of the earth, as well. The bulk of Emotional Geology is set on the Hebridean Isle of Uist, a fairly flat island with few trees to break up the landscape. The weather in much of the novel is wet and dank, reflecting the darker moods of the protagonist, Rose Leonard. In contrast to Uist is the island of Skye (where the author lives), which features a beautiful mist-covered mountain range, the Cuillin. We learn that many climbers attempt to conquer nature by climbing the Cuillin; other people wish to ‘conquer’ Rose by taming her wilder spirits.
Rose suffers from manic episodes and has moved to Uist to manage her illness the best she can, in private, away from painful reminders of her past. She is a textile artist, a quilter whose works are often displayed in galleries and commissioned for sale. Shortly after moving to Uist, she meets the brother of a neighbor. Calum is a teacher and a poet; the two artists, and their media, compliment each other, but memories and fear may keep them from collaborating.
Linda Gillard combines beautiful (yes, I will say ‘poetic’ or ‘lyrical’) prose and colorful descriptions of the landscape and Rose’s quilts with the realities of mental illness and the collateral damage of a mountain-climbing obsession. As a childhood geology geek who is reliving that stage with my own children (all hail the power of the mighty rock tumbler … yes, it’s true!), I especially enjoyed the attention and honor she paid to the history of the mountains.
I usually include a few excerpts in my book reviews, but most of the passages I’ve marked would introduce characters or situations that I’d like you to discover in your own reading of the book. Here are the first few paragraphs from the prologue, which is written in the first person; other sections are written in third person, and Gillard uses both present and past tense. It’s a nearly seamless, yet effective, transition:
I talk to the island. I don’t speak, but my thoughts are directed towards it. Sometimes it replies. Never in words of course.
I miss trees. You don’t notice at first that there are hardly any trees here, just that the landscape is very flat, as if God had taken away all the hills and mountains and dumped them on neighbouring Skye. But eventually you realise it’s trees that you miss.
Trees talk back.
I learned of Emotional Geology from ‘the two Jills.’ Rhapsody in Books has reviewed it here, and Fizzy Thoughts has posted here. I’m a willing convert to the Linda Gillard fan base! Her books are not readily available in the US, but they can be ordered at competitive prices (and with free shipping!) from the Book Depository.
FTC disclosure: I received this book from a fizzy friend. And, I get nothing in return for referring readers to the Book Depository; nothing, that is, except the pleasure of connecting a hungry reader with a satisfying book!
This sounds wonderful! I was actually lucky enough to win one of the author’s books from one of the Jills and you’ve convinced me that I need to move it up in my TBR pile.
wow, this does sound wonderful!
I am always interested in books that feature various mental illnesses, and since I like lyrical writing as well, I definitely think this is a book I should read. Thanks for the awesome review, I will be looking out for this book!
This sounds great. Both the prose, the subject, the descriptions, the quote. It’s going on the wish list!
I remember reading a review of this (one of the Jills I imagine). Didn’t this book talk about the female or male aspects of nature? Or did I dream that?
I am a great fan of Linda Gillard ,so was delighted to read this excellent review today.
Kathy – I’ve put STAR GAZING on my wish list. I love that we can order from the Book Depository and get her books in the US!
savvy – The book is wonderful; you would especially like the poetry
zibilee – I love how Linda Gillard treats Rose’s illness – like any illness that has to be managed with as few pharmaceuticals as possible. It’s not exploited.
Amy – I’d love to read your thoughts on it. I think of this as a ‘sleeper’ hit … truly beautiful.
Sandy – that was a Tuesday Teaser excerpt I ran. Again, from the beginning of the book so I didn’t give any plot away.
LindyLou – I’m looking forward to reading more of her work; STAR GAZING is on my wish list.
I highly recommend this book too along with LindyLouMac. I was really touched by this book as I was going through a bereavement at the time, but found Linda’s writing a comfort. I thoroughly recommend her other two books also.
If it weren’t for good reviews, I never would have picked this one up–the cover really doesn’t do a thing for me. Just another time that I’ve been slapped in the face with that old “don’t judge a book” adage!
I’ve read so many great reviews of Gillard’s books, and I just know I would love them…. need to visit The Book Depository soon!
Thanks, Dawn, for a great review and thanks to everyone else for their comments. EMOTIONAL GEOLOGY really has been something of a sleeper. It was my first novel, published in 2005, but thanks to book bloggers, it’s still getting reviews.
That other Jill started it!
I love, love, love the language in Star Gazing…can’t wait for you to read that one!
I knew the glowing review would come soon … just like I knew the Two Jills were somehow behind this! : )
I hadn’t heard of this author until reading your review. I must’ve somehow missed the Jills’ reviews. The passage you quoted is beautiful; I like that writing style. I’ll keep this one in mind.
Diane – wonderful that the writing touched you (and helped you) during your bereavement.
Lisa – I get so many great recommendations from friends (rather than the bestseller list). And to prove that “different strokes” adage: the cover really appeals to me!
JoAnn – imagine the treasures that are waiting for us there (not available here)
Linda – thanks so much for stopping by, and for your comments. You’ve written 3 novels since 2005 (wow!) … and all are getting positive reviews in the blogosphere (wow, again!)
softdrink – you’re what we call an enabler … thank you for that!
Jenners – definitely blame it on The Two Jills (in a good way). Wonderful writing, engaging plot, beautiful setting –> winning combo.
Anna – Oh, yes, you and Serena should share a copy.
I wonder if this is on audio. I hope to get to Scotland next year and I want to go way north to the Heberdes or Shetlands or Orkneys. And maybe visit a distillery or two on Skye.
Beth, this one isn’t on audio but my 3rd novel, STAR GAZING is. It’s in some ways similar, set on another Scottish island, Skye. (I was living on Skye when I wrote it.) STAR GAZING is an off-beat love story with a blind middle-aged heroine. I set myself the challenge of trying to convey the island experience without the use of visuals. I suppose I succeeded as the novel was shortlisted for 2 awards, one of them for environmental writing.
Thanks so much for responding, Linda. I’ll read Emotional Geology but look for the audio of Star Gazing (audio lets me read while cooking and walking).
Well, this certainly sounds like a lovely book. I enjoy books that have environmental aspect. And the writing sounds extremely lovely.
Beth F – sounds like a fantastic trip … lots of fun just in the planning!
Linda – thanks for answering Beth’s question
Beth F – (hello again). I’ve been listening while pushing the new lawn mower, too. Multi-tasking can be a good thing.
Jennifer – yes, lovely! I hope you get the chance to read EMOTIONAL GEOLOGY; it is beautiful.