Roger Hutchinson

Hutchinson's paean to a remarkable individual and a disappearing (if not already gone) Hebridean way of life is presented in this gentle but not overly sentimental history. A simple story is presented, wrapped in considerable historical background. Hutchinson achieves a near perfect tonal balance as we follow Calum MacLeod in his work on the road and flashback to the historical events which led to Calum's decision to build it himself. Calum's achievement is amazing; the events surrounding it are maddening and heartbreaking. Hutchinson tells these intertwining stories with a skill that draws the reader in while staying out of the way.

An easy read requiring only a few hours, but one of those tales that stays inside of you long after you've put the book back on the shelf. Highly recommended.

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