Dancing in a Distant Place

by Isla Dewar

A warm and intelligent novel about a young teacher who throws herself into the lives of her students in the hopes of forgetting the past, only to find it returning more vividly than ever.
When Iris Chisholm arrives in the tiny Scottish Highland community of Green Cairns, she's still in a state of shock--not so much from her husband's untimely death as from the discovery that he'd gambled away all their money and even their home. In addressing the problems of the children at the school where she works, Iris finds distractions from worries. Further distractions come in the shape of a honey-tongued lawyer and a gentle handyman. This is a novel with wit and heart from an author who is quickly rising in the ranks of international women's fiction authors.

Genres: Fiction, Scotland, Historical Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Born in Edinburgh, Isla Dewar now lives in Fife with her husband, a cartoonist, and two sons. Her first novel, Keeping Up with Magda, published in 1995, has been followed by a string of bestsellers.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.
I bought this book at a recent Lifeline fair because I adored the mauve and blue cover and also I have enjoyed a number of other books by Isla Dewar, so I had a fair idea what to expect.
After her husband Harry dies, Iris Chisholm finds out the extent of his lies to her. She thought she knew him so well, but finds out how little she knew. The debts he leaves behind mean she is unable to keep the family home. Despite complaints from the teenage son and daughter she takes a job in a one teacher school at Green Cairns becoming ‘The Missie.’ Iris is the type of teacher everyone would like to have had at one stage in their lives. She cares about the children and seeks to not only educate and make learning fun and help their social problems as well. Lucy stammers, while Colin who lives with this grandmother who affectionately calls him ‘a mucky pup,’ or ‘a soul’ does not talk. It is a choice rather than a physical problem. Iris is a creative, hands on, teacher; though sometimes it seems she would be better to pay more attention to what is going on with Scott and Sophy, her own two.
I liked the sense of humour Isla Dewar writes with and the compassion for her characters. I did wonder why the book started as it did with the bar in Glasgow and would rather it had started with the day in 1968. Not sure why she did this. It rather spoiled the effect of the rest of the book in my opinion. However that is a minor quibble in what was largely an enjoyable book about the foibles of people. There were moments I laughed, others when I shook my head in despair, times when I got annoyed, others when I was near to tears. In the end I am glad I bought and read it.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dancing in a Distant Place was a pleasant enough read, but it just didn't speak to me. I have no major complaints with this book, yet there were a number of small irritants that caused me to dock it a couple of stars. There were lots of deliciously eccentric villagers, and many redeemable sections involving the antics of the schoolchildren. I thought Colin, in particular, was beautifully characterized and written. Unfortunately, other parts of the book were quite dull. I found several of the male characters to be sexist and condescending towards women - Michael especially, the dead husband, Charles to a lesser degree, and even Iris's son on occasion. Many of the male characters had undertones of an I-know-what's-best-for-you-better-than-you-know-what's-best-for-yourself-so-don't-worry-your-pretty-but-small-little-ladybrain-over-it or let-me-take-care-of-this-because-I'm-a-man attitude towards Iris and other female characters.

I really found myself disliking the author's writing style, or more specifically, the way she structured her sentences and paragraphs. There were lots of odd sentence fragments, dangling modifiers and run-ons that really distracted me from the actual story when I was reading. The writing just didn't flow well. There would often be a really long run-on sentence, followed by a couple of choppy two word sentence fragments, then followed by another long run-on, then more choppy bits.... and well, you get the idea. The author also had a habit of writing sentences as lists, which I found annoying. Look at the first page and you'll see what I mean ("A crowded bar in Glasgow, a shiny place, chrome and glass and very noisy, a constant thrum and babble, conversations and laughter). Sometimes it seemed as if she didn't how to write descriptively without turning it into a list. The writing style didn't seem very consistent throughout the book. At times, I would think it had improved and it was flowing quite well, but then all of a sudden there would be another page with a bunch of choppy sentence fragments.

I really can't comprehend what motivated the author to set the first few pages of the book in the future, years ahead of when the rest of the story took place. By doing so, she revealed within the first few pages who Iris had married. The entire romantic subplot of Iris/Charles/Michael and the fun of wondering which one she would choose was pretty much ruined for the rest of the book- another three hundred odd pages! I found myself wanting any sections about Michael to just go quickly, because I knew Iris wouldn't end up with him anyways. The sections with Charles were alright, but I found that I didn't really get to enjoy watching their relationship develop and blossom as I otherwise might have, because again, I already knew where their relationship was going to end up. If the author had at least left some mystery surrounding which man she would choose, I might have had a lot more interest in this story. I think revealing what she did in the first two pages was a shabby plot device - it did not add to my enjoyment as a reader, and it certainly didn't encourage greater character development.

I'm not really sure what type of reader would truly LOVE this book, rather than just feeling lukewarm about it. For readers who like a cute romance, Dancing has a bit of that, but you have to wade through several hundred pages of other stuff before you get your romance fix. For readers who like family dramas, Dancing has a bit of that too, but I didn't find any of the family relationships to have much substance. I would have liked to see more depth in the brother/sister relationship between Scott and Sophy, and I found Iris oddly detached from her children throughout most of the book. I suppose Dancing is a decent book for those wanting to read about a different culture or place, and the local quirks of that area, but I've certainly read much better books about small-town life and about Scotland. Teachers would no doubt enjoy this book, as the descriptions of classroom life are very evocative, and are the best moments in the book.

I'm not sure if I would consider reading another book by Isla Dewar, but I'll probably at least look into what else she has written and see if there are any ideas that appeal to me.

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Iris Chisholm's husband dies in a car accident she finds that his life the past 3 years have been a lie, losing his job and gambling their money and home away. She sells everything and takes a rural teaching job that provides a house. Needless to say her 2 teenage children are not thrilled and rebel in different ways. The town knows everything she does and her kids do and gossip about things they see and misinterpret. I liked the tales with the children at the school, particularly Colin. I was often frustrated with Iris for being misled by the men she dates and not paying attention to what her own children are up to. I didn't like the intro chapter that was 30 years after the bulk of the story. Like reading the last chapter first, no suspense. So it was OK not great.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe Isla Dewar is one of my new favorites. This book was a real treat. The writing was superb. Never a dull lag or slow bit. The writing was fresh and cutting. You really could feel the emotions of the characters. The story is the classic widow with kids needing a change of place and heart. But Ms. Dewar tackled each character, flaws and attributes alike, with honesty and clarity. The plot wasn't placid and kept you turning the pages. I was left truly wishing I had a teacher like "the Missie" in my life growing up. I also wished there had been more chapters of her life to read about.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everytime I re-read this book, I cry when she writes her letter in the end. As a teacher myself, it rings a major bell. I love this book, would read it again and again.

[Helen Beesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh....I loved the start, but it became a bit boring.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Bailey Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it took me a while to finish this book (busy, busy schedule!), I REALLY enjoyed it. While reading the book all of the characters from Green Cairns (Mrs. Chisholm, her students, and her own children) all grew on me! I loved the setting, the plot, and everything about the book. I will definitely be adding it to my list of favorites and I recommend it to anybody who enjoys a good story about country life in a small town.

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Isla Dewar’s Dancing in a Distant Place, Iris is a schoolteacher with two teen children. After her husband Harry’s death, she discovers that he has gambled away all of the family assets as he pretended to still be going to a job that he had lost some time ago. She is forced to take a job as headmistress in a rural area of Scotland because it came with a house which was a home for her family during the late 60's.
.
She is the youngest Missie (head schoolmistress) that the town of Green Cairns has ever seen and they watch her every move and assume that she is having affairs with a couple of suitors which was far from the truth. A plethora of events unfold over the year such a mute child that finally talks, the death of a cycling child, drunken moms and most alarming, her son, who also pretended to be going to school while he was actually drinking and having an affair with his older friend’s wife/girlfriend. She finds herself fighting back in many situations but later reflects and realizes that she made a few lifetime friends during her stay. Ilsa Dewar is a superb storyteller!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed this book despite the opening chapter having me dislike the main character and wondering if I should continue with the story because in that chapter the protagonist comes across as self-absorbed, needy, attention seeking,and vain. I'm glad I did because it turns out she was nothing like that at all. All of the characters were memorable, unique, and enjoyable. The dialogue and conversations of the characters was witty and profound. The only criticism I have is that her transitions from thoughts of one character to another were jumbled and confusing and I would think one person was talking and have to keep shifting back and forth in the dialogue to figure out who was doing the talking. This also happened with the flashback scenes- no clearly demarcated line into past and present and since it's not a stream of consciousness novel, I found that aspect annoying, but easy enough to resolve and continue because it was a lovely story.

[Carolyn Lochhead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iris is the Missie - the primary school headteacher in a tiny Scottish village. She's come from a city school, and the weight of expectation is heavy: the Missie is supposed to be wise, chaste, sober and generally unimpeachable. But Iris never meant to be here - she's brought her son and daughter to this small community because her late husband secretly gambled away their house and left her deep in debt, and she needs to start again.

The story bumps along nicely, as Iris' son Scott and daughter Sophy cope with the upheaval, loss of their dad and progressing adolescence while Iris gets to know her pupils and their families and tries to come to terms with her husband's betrayal, as well as working out what she wants from the rest of her life.

I don't think I've read anything by Isla Dewar before. On the basis of this, I'd pick up another of her books if I needed an entertaining book to pass a few days - it's not groundbreaking, but it's a perfectly decent story.

[Susan Krich · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the first chapter, I thought the book would be The Missie's life until the time in the first chapter.
It was only one year and how she became The Missie.
It seemed overly long and the ending was disappointing.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was engaging, a charming story. I definitely will look for more books written by this author.

[Jill Bowman]

I enjoyed this book VERY much. 4 instead of 5 because I'm pretty sure it won't be powerful enough to stick with me... but the people, the atmosphere and the story were a perfect, quiet read.

[Barbara Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a breathtaking book. I loved every minute.

[Carly Vevers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute joy to read. One of those books that you wish would go on and on.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming.

[Joan Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

C'est terminé, je dois faire mon deuil. Je te laisserai partir Iris, tu devrais te repousser... On vit une nouvelle vie en chaque roman, ça est delicieux et doulereux en même temps

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading. Well written. Cosy.

[Teresa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a five

[Carinna Theodora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a pretty book, magnificently written, a little bit quirky but the way Isla Dewar describes the whole room and views are magically beautiful.

[Marcy Guenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the title, and I really enjoyed the story and found it to be well-written. Something easy, light and refreshing - a delightful change of pace from the more serious and somber novels I’ve read the past several months. It’s a feel-good tale with interesting characters and situations.

This is my first Isla Dewar novel, and I was quite impressed.

[Diane Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed some easy reading after giving up on my last book. This one had been on my shelf for a while. I like Isla Dewar, probably something to do with her being a Scottish writer.

Iris is a teacher. Happily married, two teenage children and a husband she thinks she knows. Here husband dies in a car accident and they have to come to terms with their loss. That seems bad enough until she discovers they have no money, no home....he had gambled everything away. She has to make the decision of moving and taking the children with her, she take on the position of 'Missie' at a country school in a remote glen. She pupils become her life, and takes on her pupils problems, one by one....a stammerer, a wee boy who refuses to talk and the usual hum drum of the classroom. Rumours around the village start when she administers changes to they usual way of teaching, but the local community slowly accept her. Iris is so taken up with her new ways that she doesn't notice her own children sliding of the straight and narrow.

I loved all the characters and I laughed on occasions.....Colin and his knitted swimming trunks..lol. A simple, cosy read.

[Stormkpr]

A novel about a woman in Ireland in the 1960’s who loses her husband and has to build her life anew. She moves to a very remote town and has to deal with small-town life in a community where everybody knows everybody. It wasn’t the most riveting thing I’ve ever read, but it was good; the author really does a great job creating characters who feel real and she also excels in transporting you to the place she describes. The protagonist was a confident lady; I liked reading how she dealt with situations she encountered. One thing I didn’t like about this book is that it employs a technique I’ve encountered in a lot of novels. The first chapter takes place decades after the rest of the novel. So as I read the rest of the book, I knew exactly how things would turn out for the main characters. Perhaps in this novel it wasn’t such a big deal since this book was never designed to be a suspenseful page-turner, but I still felt it detracted from the impact of the story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. There were lots of interesting characters, an interesting setting (a running theme with books I like, set in a different time and place), challenges, tragedies, catastrophes, triumphs, victories, small pleasures, healing, coming together, moving on.

It was the moving on that got me, really. It was very encouraging. Whatever tragedy befell her, Iris figured out how to move on, to make things work, to accept. She never crumpled under the weight of her problems, though it was a struggle. She was imperfect and made mistakes herself, but moved on from them as well. She never wallowed, never beat herself up... at least not for long. And all the while she loved: her children, her students, the glen she moved to, and the new friends she's made. She doesn't let the challenges get to her too much; she doesn't shut down and give up.

This is the first Dewar novel I have read, but I will look for more of her books in the future.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have liked this book a whole lot better if it had focused more on Iris's teaching since the parts with the village children and in the school were the only parts I really enjoyed. The problems of her son and daughter who, quite frankly, I thought were both extremely asinine, did not interest me at all. Too much space was devoted to them, in my opinion.
But oh, I loved Colin! He was an absolute sweetheart. I think I have a weakness for little boys who are underdogs. (Then again, don't we all?)

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is Scotland in the 1960's. The reader needs some background knowledge of the culture and history to fully understand the story. The characters had strong traits and the plot rolled at a steady pace. The only part I didn't particularly like is the beginning, which should have been the ending. The story starts with an episode of the characters 30 + years after the actual setting takes place. I think it would best if that part was last because I didn't comprehend the significance of the characters and had to read it again after I finished the book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just discovered this delightful author. Set in Scotland, Iris is a teacher who at 39 becomes a widow with two teenagers. After the funeral Iris discovers her husband has led a secret life that has put her so deep in debt she is forced to sell their house and move her family to rural Scotland where a house is offered with a job as the "Missie" of a one room schoolhouse. The story is filled with love, laughter and tears but her love of her students and children, despite their issues shines through.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot. Written by Scotswoman Isla Dewar, the story focuses on the year in the life of Scottish schoolteacher Iris Chisholm, who relocates herself and her two teenaged children to a village in the highlands after the sudden death of her husband. Dewar's writing style is realistic; it is infused with just enough light humor and drama to keep things interesting. Highly enjoyable read.