O Caledonia- W&N Essentials

Synopsis

'I once decided to become friends with someone on the sole basis that she named O Caledonia as her favourite book' Maggie O'Farrell

'A sparky, funny work of genius and one of the best least-known novels of the 20th Century' Ali Smith

'Funny, surprising, exquisitely written and brilliant on the smelly, absurd, harsh business of growing up. The Brontë sisters and Poe via Dodie Smith and Edward Gorey' David Nicholls

'An absolute sumptuous treat of a book' Elizabeth Macneal

'A wonderful oddity - brief, vivid, eccentric, written with ferocious zest and black humour' Penelope Lively

'The words sing in their sentences' The Times

'The reader feels unalloyed joy on every page' Independent

Vera was painting the pony's hooves gold in the dining room; Janet said this was bad for him; poison would seep into his bloodstream.

At the bottom of a great stone staircase, dressed in her mother's black lace evening dress, twisted in murderous death, lies Janet. So end the sixteen years of Janet's short life.

A life spent in a draughty Scottish castle, where roses will not grow, and a jackdaw decides to live in the doll's house.

A life peopled by prettier, smoother-haired siblings, a Nanny with a face like the North Sea and the peculiar, whisky-swigging Cousin Lila.

A life where Janet is perpetually misunderstood - and must turn from people, to animals, to books, to her own wild and wonderful imagination.

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY MAGGIE O'FARRELL

Summary

Chapter 1: The Clans

* Explores the history and culture of the Scottish clans, their tartans, and their role in Scottish history.
* Example: Discusses the Campbell clan, famous for its tartan and its involvement in the Jacobite Rebellion.

Chapter 2: The Highlands

* Describes the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including mountains, lochs, and glens.
* Example: Highlights the beauty of Loch Lomond, one of the largest lakes in Scotland, and its surrounding mountains.

Chapter 3: The Islands

* Focuses on the islands of Scotland, including the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland Islands.
* Example: Explores the rugged Outer Hebrides, known for their deserted beaches and abundant wildlife.

Chapter 4: The Lowlands

* Examines the contrasting landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands, including rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and bustling cities.
* Example: Describes the picturesque town of Stirling, nestled alongside the River Forth and overlooked by Stirling Castle.

Chapter 5: Edinburgh

* Delves into the vibrant and historic capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh.
* Example: Discusses the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on a dormant volcano, and its role in Scottish history.

Chapter 6: Glasgow

* Explores the industrial and cultural heart of Scotland, Glasgow.
* Example: Highlights the Glasgow School of Art, renowned for its unique architecture and contribution to the Art Nouveau movement.

Chapter 7: The North Coast 500

* Introduces the scenic coastal road trip known as the North Coast 500, which circles the northern Highlands.
* Example: Features the dramatic coastal scenery of Durness, home to Smoo Cave and the Balcony Walk.

Chapter 8: The Cairngorms

* Focuses on the majestic mountain range of the Cairngorms, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.
* Example: Describes the summit of Ben Macdui, the highest mountain in the UK, and its stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

Chapter 9: The Borders

* Explores the historic region of the Scottish Borders, known for its rolling hills, castles, and abbeys.
* Example: Highlights the ruins of Melrose Abbey, a medieval monastery that played a significant role in Scottish history.

Chapter 10: Stirling

* Presents the picturesque town of Stirling, an important center in Scottish history and home to numerous historical sites.
* Example: Discusses the Battle of Bannockburn, fought near Stirling in 1314, which secured Scotland's independence from England.