Border Brothers

by Margaret Cook

Why was a renowned mediaeval Abbey Hospital in the Scottish Borders suddenly demolished amid disgrace and scandal? This is a fictionalised version of the mystery surrounding the fate of Soutra Abbey on Fala moor. Perhaps the reputation of senior figures of Church and State involved in the fifteenth century intrigue needed to be protected by the burial of historical fact.
Fergus MacBeath is the central figure; wounded in battle and saved miraculously, he seems to emanate portents and command the elements. With medical skills inherited from his Highland family, he eventually becomes the medicus at Soltre (ancient name for Soutra), and is regarded as a saint. To the Borders people he can do no wrong, even though he breaks all the Church's rules and engages a 'wise woman' to assist with women in childbirth.
Soltre, which has for centuries been protected from the wars and turbulence of the times by seemingly supernatural powers, has acquired lands and wealth from grateful families. It is an oasis of abundance in a country of factions, unrest and poverty. Kings and Bishops regard the Soltre estate with avarice and scheme to acquire and control it. All to no avail - until.....
Fergus falls - plunges - crashes - in love. Uncharacteristic and wholly unpredicted as this event is, he is swamped by visceral emotions. And suddenly the sanctuary status of Soltre ceases. External forces invade with a play of moral ascendancy by the Church and crude acquisitiveness by the State, unleashing savage and unholy wreckage.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2017

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Border Brothers as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

In the 15th century, an injured young squire arrives at Soltre, a Scottish monastery with a particular gift for healing and beloved by the sparse surrounding community. Upon his recovery, the young man, Fergus, soon reveals himself as a baseborn son of a revered line of doctors, and his gifts are apparent. The brothers take him under their wing, and he soon decides to stay at the monastery and pursue a career as a physician, much to the anger of his violent and unstable sworn lord.

Years pass, and Fergus becomes a revered part of the Soltre community. But forces past and present are conspiring to imperil both him and the monastery that

I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. I'm an amateur fan of medieval history, and wasn't aware of Soltre, so learning more about it (or at least, a fictional interpretation of it) was really interesting, and I wish the book had focused more on the politics and dangers that such an establishment faced, particularly with its liberal policies towards illness. I thought ultimately casting it as a romance was a mistake, because I simply didn't think there was enough time to develop that relationship, and it thrown in at the end to fill a perceived niche rather than a well-considered storyline. Very cool historical content, though.

[Terry Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Cook expertly captured the essence of 15th century monastic and secular life. Border Brothers drew me in from page 1, transported me to a bygone age and kept me spellbound. I admit to staying up in the wee sma' hours to finish reading. This book is well researched and skillfully written. A real find.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. It had some good moments to it but otherwise it just kind of fell flat to me.

[Teresa Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

[Hans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, and found the historical context interesting. Thanks for a good book that was different and enjoyable.