The Salt and the Flame

by Donald S. Murray

April 24, 1923. The SS Metagama is inching out of Stornoway harbor, Scotland. On board are Finlay and Mairead, young and hopeful, destined for Detroit.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the effects of the Great Depression are inescapable. Prejudice and division are rife, and though they remain bound by a shared past, their lives soon diverge.

In an adopted country that is tense with both opportunity and loss, can Mairead and Finlay keep their promises to one another to look only forward, and resist the constant pull of home?

From the author of the prize-winning As the Women Lay Dreaming comes a poignant and deeply evocative novel of the 20th-century emigrant experience in the New World. With lyrical prose and masterful storytelling, Murray paints a vivid portrait of the resilient Hebrideans-in-exile who struggled between holding on and letting go.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2024

About the author

Donald S. Murray was born in Ness in the Isle of Lewis and taught on Benbecula. An author and journalist, his poetry, prose and verse has been shortlisted for both the Saltire Award and Callum Macdonald Memorial Award. Published widely, his work has also appeared in a number of national anthologies and on BBC Radio 4 and Radio Scotland. He lives and works in Shetland.

Reviews

[Rory Scobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially the descriptions of all the travel through North America and the 1920s city scenes. I found it a bit frustrating that lots of important plot points seemed to be skipped over or rushed through but I think that’s inevitable seeing as the story spans 50 years.

Made me think a lot about my ancestors, and friends now, that have set up new lives outside of Scotland.

[David Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read—vivid and poetic descriptions. I took a bunch of notes to help add some flavor to my own writing.

As for the story, I knew nothing of the voyage taken by Scots and other emigrants in the late 1920s. It was insightful to hear about their travels. Rough timing, stepping into the depression. Seemed like many wanted to go back, feelings of homesick, tough assimilating, etc.

Themes of looking back vs looking forward, regression vs progression, destruction and creation, what makes a place a home.

I felt like the middle of the novel was pretty slow, not a ton happening, but strong ending that tied everything together.

[Kevin Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald S Murray's "The Salt and the Flame" is historical fiction at its finest. The author uses the 1923 voyage of SS Metagama from the Isle of Lewis to Canada as the launching pad for an exploration of the experiences of transatlantic emigrants, as well as looking at the lives of those left behind. Two young people, Mairead and Finlay, meet on the ship and over time, in both Canada and the USA, their relationship develops, they marry and raise a family. We follow their lives, and that of Mairead's brother Murdo back in Lewis, from 1923 to 1970.

Along the way, the emigrants discover the difference between their hopes and the reality of living in poverty in a strange country without the support of extended families. We also see the different ways they respond to their experiences, with Finlay turning to drink and flirting with racist groups while Mairead does her best to walk the fine line between keeping the family together while refusing to collude with those, including her husband, who blame black people and others for the Depression. Through their eyes, we see the best and the worst of American life and culture.

[Thekirkiepirate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent novel from Donald Murray. Having enjoyed 'The Guga Hunters' and 'As the Women Lay Dreaming' I came to this book with high expectations and they were met.

Whilst the other two novels are primarily set on Lewis, most of this one centres on Canada and the USA, with frequent links back to Scotland. I thought that the experience of the diaspora was dealt with very empathetically and he was at pains to point out that leaving that community was not always the worst thing that a person could do - albeit that the island kept a pull upon them.

The characters were well worked and very believable. Whilst the title had a biblical reference, it was interesting - and positive - that as many of the characters developed, the pull of the Free Church diminished and they became more tolerant and accepting of diversity.

It was also commendable that at the end we are not told exactly what happens to Mairead - it must have been tempting for the author to deliver a '...happy ever after' conclusion, and I was glad that he kept things more realistic.

[Catriona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quietly powerful account of two young people, Mairead and Finlay, leaving Lewis on the SS Metagama to start new lives in Canada. I really enjoyed this book; it didn't romanticise either the island life they left behind or the life they built in Canada. The relationship between the two main characters was also believable, and I'm sure I'm not the only reader who could recognise in the cast of supporting characters people we know from our own lives.
Recommended.

[Janice Bridger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the story of the Metagama, a liner that took Orcadians from Stornaway on Lewis in April 1923 to Canada continuing until the 30s (stopped during the depression). It follows those who left (mainly men) and those they left behind but I didn’t feel that I learned much about the people and their motivations. Mairead has a job to go to whilst Finlay is escaping his family. M has been told not to look back like Lot’s wife, while Finlay v determinedly looks forward. They eventually get together and start a family but it’s not very convincing- there’s one son who likes the sea and might go back to Lewis but meanwhile joins the navy and another who likes cars. Then things do take an unexpected turn and it gets more interesting but not for long enough. Interesting as I hadn’t realised about this emigration and the development of racism in the US - which is about each little group keeping to themselves and hating all the others. Eg Orcadian Gaelic speaking Protestants hate Italian catholics and they both hate the blacks who should be sent “home”). Also the music and poetry implied in the background. Spoiled by poor characterisation so I nearly stopped reading it.

[Nicola Manby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story and an interesting bit of history. I found the style very dull, though, and the characters fixed, not developing in the course of the book. The author seems aware of this at times:”AGAIN (my capitals) she wished she had never left the island”. Their emotions are repeated and very unsubtle - they are either for or against something and never change their minds.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and easy book to read but fascinating. The main characters lives unfold from young married couple to mature grandparents, coping with life in a new country and times that are rapidly changing how we live and behave. Many issues dealt with from domestic abuse, colour and religious prejudice and women’s rights.

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written account of emigrants to Canada/US from Lewis. Unthrilling but gentle & sweet.

[Robert Burgon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another touching historical novel relating to inhabitants of the Isle of Lewis- this time tracing the lives of some who emigrated to Canada and the USA on SS Metagama in 1923.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always good to read another Murray

[Sheila Tabaka]

Excellent book. Donald S. Murray is a lovely man. Met him in John O'Groats during the lighthouse celebration. Fantastic!!

[Alan Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A powerful story beautifully written.

[Patrick Townshend · Rating 3 out of 5]

one of those books that leaves you saying 'hm...'

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book it a little shop in Glasgow, Scotland, when I was there this summer. I have really enjoyed reading this and want to read more by this author!