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The False Men
North Uist, Outer Hebrides, 1848Jess MacKay has led a privileged life as the daughter of a local landowner, sheltered from the harsher aspects of life. Courted by the eligible Patrick Cooper, the Laird's new commissioner, Jess's future is mapped out, until Lachlan Macdonald arrives on North Uist, amid rumours of forced evictions on islands just to the south.As the uncompromising brutality of the Clearances reaches the islands, and Jess sees her friends ripped from their homes, she must decide where her heart, and her loyalties, truly lie.Set against the evocative backdrop of the Hebrides and inspired by a true story, The False Men is a compelling tale of love in a turbulent past that resonates with the upheavals of the modern world.About Mhairead MacLeod was born in Inverness, Scotland and spent her early childhood on the Isle of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.She now lives in Brisbane, Australia where she worked as an ethics lawyer, investigator and university lecturer. She holds Masters degrees in both Law and in Creative Writing.An earlier draft of The False Men was short-listed for a HarperCollins Varuna Award for Manuscript Development and also won a Hachette Manuscript Development Award.
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Published September 14, 2017
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About the author
Mhairead MacLeod
2 books16 followersMhairead MacLeod was born in Scotland and now lives in Australia with her family. Her first novel, 'The False Men' (ThunderPoint Publishing, U.K) was written as part of her Master of Arts (Creative Writing) degree and has won two manuscript awards.
The manuscript for 'A Hospital in the Clouds' has won and been short-listed for two screenwriting awards.
Before she became a writer Mhairead was a lawyer.
The manuscript for 'A Hospital in the Clouds' has won and been short-listed for two screenwriting awards.
Before she became a writer Mhairead was a lawyer.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 31, 2018
I approached this book with trepidation since it is based on a real story. Being not a firm believer of happily ever after in real life, I was dreading a tragic end and was much relieved by the turn of the story. Fortunately, this is not another 'Braveheart' where I will have to cry my heart out.
Set in the backdrop of Highland Clearances, MacLeod produces a fine specimen of historical fiction centred around a brave heroine who is endowed with a wisdom far beyond her age and time period. While the nobility and the clergy fail to empathise with the farmers, Jess takes a firm stand which according to my pragmatic brain was a foolish decision. But I was glad to see Jess following her heart to give the Highlanders a romantic tale to pass through generations.
My only trouble was with the abrupt ending. The story had all the potential of being a historical saga otherwise. I could only hope that there will be a sequel wherein Jess reminiscence her struggles in the new found land. Leaving this aside, this was a wonderful tale, told with all the charm of a Scottish fairytale and will capture your attention from the outset.
Set in the backdrop of Highland Clearances, MacLeod produces a fine specimen of historical fiction centred around a brave heroine who is endowed with a wisdom far beyond her age and time period. While the nobility and the clergy fail to empathise with the farmers, Jess takes a firm stand which according to my pragmatic brain was a foolish decision. But I was glad to see Jess following her heart to give the Highlanders a romantic tale to pass through generations.
My only trouble was with the abrupt ending. The story had all the potential of being a historical saga otherwise. I could only hope that there will be a sequel wherein Jess reminiscence her struggles in the new found land. Leaving this aside, this was a wonderful tale, told with all the charm of a Scottish fairytale and will capture your attention from the outset.
November 7, 2017
This is an engrossing story based on real people and actual history. It is intelligent historical fiction with a fast moving plot and believable characters. I think a lot of readers will identify with the heroine, who is a truly strong and inspiring woman. The description of the wild Scottish highlands and islands is excellent and the whole novel is very well researched and written – not a cliché in sight. The best book I've read this year.
February 13, 2024
The False Men was an incredibly well-written historical romance set in Scotland in the late 1840s. Initially uncertain if this story would be my 'thing', even though historical fiction is my favorite genre, I found myself engrossed. In The False Men, we meet Jess, a young twenty-year-old whose life seems mapped out by her parents. Jess, a strong young woman, knew what she wanted and had the bravery to follow through. I liked that she was outspoken and didn’t adhere to the expectations of women in the 1840s. Many of the themes covered in the story remain relevant today, which is both remarkable and disheartening. Even in 2024, we witness the continuation of deplorable customs that mirror the mistreatment of women seen in the 1800s. It's truly astonishing.
My heart broke for Jess’s best friend, Catherine, and the ordeal she endured with resilience and stoicism. I quite enjoyed their friendship, considering their different backgrounds. I appreciated how Catherine humbled Jess and reminded her of the differences in their lives, despite their close friendship.
I found Jess’ family situation frustratingly typical—a scenario where one's family may not always offer the strongest support, and where blood ties don't necessarily guarantee loyalty. While I hoped to sympathize with Jess's mother, I couldn't bring myself to do so. I'm relieved Jess didn't emulate her mother's path.
I was completely unaware of the evictions in Scotland, as it's not a topic that typically crosses my path living on the other side of the world. Learning about this historical event and the Battle of Sollas was truly fascinating. There must have been a significant amount of research that went into writing a book like this, and I admire MacLeod for blending factual events with fiction. It's interesting to see how these real-life events were woven into the narrative, enriching the story with depth and authenticity.
The descriptive writing is beautiful and makes it easy to imagine the settings in my mind while reading. I read this story in one sitting; I couldn’t put it down. Initially, the story felt slightly slower-paced than I had hoped for, but it quickly picked up and maintained momentum for the remainder of the book.
My heart broke for Jess’s best friend, Catherine, and the ordeal she endured with resilience and stoicism. I quite enjoyed their friendship, considering their different backgrounds. I appreciated how Catherine humbled Jess and reminded her of the differences in their lives, despite their close friendship.
I found Jess’ family situation frustratingly typical—a scenario where one's family may not always offer the strongest support, and where blood ties don't necessarily guarantee loyalty. While I hoped to sympathize with Jess's mother, I couldn't bring myself to do so. I'm relieved Jess didn't emulate her mother's path.
I was completely unaware of the evictions in Scotland, as it's not a topic that typically crosses my path living on the other side of the world. Learning about this historical event and the Battle of Sollas was truly fascinating. There must have been a significant amount of research that went into writing a book like this, and I admire MacLeod for blending factual events with fiction. It's interesting to see how these real-life events were woven into the narrative, enriching the story with depth and authenticity.
The descriptive writing is beautiful and makes it easy to imagine the settings in my mind while reading. I read this story in one sitting; I couldn’t put it down. Initially, the story felt slightly slower-paced than I had hoped for, but it quickly picked up and maintained momentum for the remainder of the book.
September 5, 2017
North Uist, Outer Hebrides, 1848. The eldest daughter of a local landowner, Jess MacKay lives an easy life. But her close friendship with Catherine, one of the servants, affords her a slightly different perspective on social relationships than her sisters and peers. So when she hears of crofters being ousted from their homes in other areas, and the bogs drained to accommodate shooting parties and sheep, she’s concerned. But surely it couldn’t happen on North Uist, where her own father collects the rents on behalf of the absentee landlord, and where rich and poor mingle at the annual Hogmanay ceilidh.
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October 1, 2017
A great read recommended
August 27, 2018
I spent most of my holidays as a child in Scotland and it has left me with an abiding love of the country and a fascination with its history, which is colourful and brutal, so I was very excited to read this book which is set against the backdrop of probably the most shameful part of Scottish history, the Highland Clearances. If anyone is not familiar with the atrocities committed against the farmers and crofters of the Highlands and Islands at this time, this book will give you a compelling insight into what went on.
The heroine of the book is Jess, the privileged daughter of the factor on North Uist, an island of the west coast of Scotland. The factors were gentlemen appointed by the Laird to manage their estates in a particular area and collect rents from his tenants. Although Jess is the factor’s daughter, she is very friendly with her maid, Catherine, and Catherine’s family who are crofters so, when the Clearances come to North Uist, she is in a unique position to see the situation from both sides and is horrified by what is happening. She tries to intervene, putting her on the wrong side of the society which she is part of.
Jess is a wonderful character to carry this book. Brave and opinionated, she is very much a woman ahead of her time, which sets her against the norms of the day and puts her at odds with her friends and family which makes for great tension and conflict in the book. From our enlightened position 170 years into the future, our sympathies are entirely with Jess as she rages at the injustices being done to her fellow man and her own weak and powerless position as a woman, and basically a chattel, at that time.
The author brings the history and landscape of Scotland during this period vividly to life with beautiful descriptions and we are transported right to the heart of the islands and Highlands and the struggle and conflict. The book is absolutely riveting and had my pulse racing and my heart in my mouth and kept me reading late into the night. I could not help but become emotionally involved in the story and feel everything that Jess was going through. As a living history lesson, this book is masterful. The author makes the speech of the time sound authentic without being a pastiche which is very hard to do.
I loved the author’s style of writing and voice, with the right amount of description to bring the book to life but no so much that slowed the pace. The history lesson is given in a subtle and insidious way without feeling dry and lecturing, it is extremely skilfully done and this book is a great picture of this part of history which will hold anyone who has the slightest interest in learning about Scotland’s past and a policy of brutality against people which changed the face of Scotland forever and continues to have ramifications for the country to the present.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an intelligent but gripping read.
The heroine of the book is Jess, the privileged daughter of the factor on North Uist, an island of the west coast of Scotland. The factors were gentlemen appointed by the Laird to manage their estates in a particular area and collect rents from his tenants. Although Jess is the factor’s daughter, she is very friendly with her maid, Catherine, and Catherine’s family who are crofters so, when the Clearances come to North Uist, she is in a unique position to see the situation from both sides and is horrified by what is happening. She tries to intervene, putting her on the wrong side of the society which she is part of.
Jess is a wonderful character to carry this book. Brave and opinionated, she is very much a woman ahead of her time, which sets her against the norms of the day and puts her at odds with her friends and family which makes for great tension and conflict in the book. From our enlightened position 170 years into the future, our sympathies are entirely with Jess as she rages at the injustices being done to her fellow man and her own weak and powerless position as a woman, and basically a chattel, at that time.
The author brings the history and landscape of Scotland during this period vividly to life with beautiful descriptions and we are transported right to the heart of the islands and Highlands and the struggle and conflict. The book is absolutely riveting and had my pulse racing and my heart in my mouth and kept me reading late into the night. I could not help but become emotionally involved in the story and feel everything that Jess was going through. As a living history lesson, this book is masterful. The author makes the speech of the time sound authentic without being a pastiche which is very hard to do.
I loved the author’s style of writing and voice, with the right amount of description to bring the book to life but no so much that slowed the pace. The history lesson is given in a subtle and insidious way without feeling dry and lecturing, it is extremely skilfully done and this book is a great picture of this part of history which will hold anyone who has the slightest interest in learning about Scotland’s past and a policy of brutality against people which changed the face of Scotland forever and continues to have ramifications for the country to the present.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an intelligent but gripping read.
February 11, 2024
First of all, let's appreciate how much research and work Mahairead must have put into this novel before she even started writing it.
This is evident on every single page as there is so much attention to details and care taken over the seemingly smallest of things!
The story revolves around Jess, a landowners daughter, her idealism, romance, and her friends all in a time where uncertainty where families and villages are ripped apart by brutal evictions.
Jess comes across as a well-read and educated lass, but she is also quite naive to the ways of the world at that time where power and money were at play. Jess is desperate to save her friend and her friend's family from a terrible fate, but powerful men want the opposite.
The eviction scenes are incredibly emotional and also the resulting fate of Jess' friend. What makes it even more potent is the fact that the Highland Clearances actually happened.
Without giving too much away, we also see Edinburgh as it was in the 1800s. I adore Edinburgh and visit often, so it was a treat to read about.
This is an incredible book, with so much detail and thought built into it!
Highly recommend!
This is evident on every single page as there is so much attention to details and care taken over the seemingly smallest of things!
The story revolves around Jess, a landowners daughter, her idealism, romance, and her friends all in a time where uncertainty where families and villages are ripped apart by brutal evictions.
Jess comes across as a well-read and educated lass, but she is also quite naive to the ways of the world at that time where power and money were at play. Jess is desperate to save her friend and her friend's family from a terrible fate, but powerful men want the opposite.
The eviction scenes are incredibly emotional and also the resulting fate of Jess' friend. What makes it even more potent is the fact that the Highland Clearances actually happened.
Without giving too much away, we also see Edinburgh as it was in the 1800s. I adore Edinburgh and visit often, so it was a treat to read about.
This is an incredible book, with so much detail and thought built into it!
Highly recommend!
February 13, 2024
The False Men by Mhairead MacLeod is a captivating and emotional tale set against a backdrop of historical turmoil in the Scottish highlands. The story follows Jess MacKay, a privileged landowner's daughter whose life changes drastically when the brutal Clearances reach the Outer Hebrides. With the arrival of Lachlan Macdonald and rumors of forced evictions, Jess is forced to confront where her loyalties truly lie.
I was immersed in the rich history and vivid descriptions of the Hebrides, which added a layer of depth to the story. The author managed to seamlessly weave in historical events without overshadowing the heartfelt narrative of love and loyalty. The characters were well-developed and relatable, making me emotionally invested in their struggles and triumphs.
Overall, The False Men is a poignant and gripping tale that has stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of romance and strong emotional depth. It's a story that resonates with the upheavals of the past and present, making it a truly unforgettable read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I was immersed in the rich history and vivid descriptions of the Hebrides, which added a layer of depth to the story. The author managed to seamlessly weave in historical events without overshadowing the heartfelt narrative of love and loyalty. The characters were well-developed and relatable, making me emotionally invested in their struggles and triumphs.
Overall, The False Men is a poignant and gripping tale that has stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of romance and strong emotional depth. It's a story that resonates with the upheavals of the past and present, making it a truly unforgettable read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
February 10, 2024
I don't know any Scottish history at all, so this book was totally new for me. Of course that means that I've never heard of the 'clearances' which I wish had only existed as a work of fiction. I read this book with a mixture of fascination and horror at how the islanders were treated. I cannot imagine being turned out of my home and shipped for no reason other than the landowner said so. Or how I'd feel to see that happen to my friends.
Jess seems lovely and caring, even about the 'poor' which is quite unusual for a woman of her class and upbringing at that time. I loved her friendship with Catherine.
I wasn't always sure what some of the terms mean, and while there is a glossary at the back it's not easy to navigate to on the kindle edition. However I loved reading some of the Gaelic phrases and words, especially when I started to recognise them. (Some I knew as they are very similar to Irish Gaelic which I have been trying to learn.)
Overall this was a really enjoyable read which has sparked an interest in that part of history for me.
Jess seems lovely and caring, even about the 'poor' which is quite unusual for a woman of her class and upbringing at that time. I loved her friendship with Catherine.
I wasn't always sure what some of the terms mean, and while there is a glossary at the back it's not easy to navigate to on the kindle edition. However I loved reading some of the Gaelic phrases and words, especially when I started to recognise them. (Some I knew as they are very similar to Irish Gaelic which I have been trying to learn.)
Overall this was a really enjoyable read which has sparked an interest in that part of history for me.
February 11, 2024
My honest thoughts:
You can tell The False Men is a well researched novel about an important period of Scottish history. Set in the mid 1800’s the story follows Jess Mackay who lives a privileged life as the daughter of a wealthy land owner. Jess however is a class of her own and is very best friends with her maid Catherine and her family.
Whilst with Catherine in Catherine’s family home Jess witnesses first hand what happens during the ‘clearances’. It was truly hard to read about the destruction and devastation caused during this chapter and @mhairead_macleod_author skilfully describes the harrowing scenes. I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to be in Jess’s position watching her father and the man her parents have betrothed her to be a part of such cruelty.
Jess faces some tough decisions between pleasing her family or following her heart.
I admire how brave Jess is in a time when it was not easy for a woman to be so outspoken. I highly recommend this book.
You can tell The False Men is a well researched novel about an important period of Scottish history. Set in the mid 1800’s the story follows Jess Mackay who lives a privileged life as the daughter of a wealthy land owner. Jess however is a class of her own and is very best friends with her maid Catherine and her family.
Whilst with Catherine in Catherine’s family home Jess witnesses first hand what happens during the ‘clearances’. It was truly hard to read about the destruction and devastation caused during this chapter and @mhairead_macleod_author skilfully describes the harrowing scenes. I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to be in Jess’s position watching her father and the man her parents have betrothed her to be a part of such cruelty.
Jess faces some tough decisions between pleasing her family or following her heart.
I admire how brave Jess is in a time when it was not easy for a woman to be so outspoken. I highly recommend this book.
February 5, 2019
I loved this novel - it ticked all the boxes. This is a real Highland love story that has been skilfully written. But it's not just about love. It's seen through the eyes of Jess Mackay, a young woman when the novel starts in 1848, and follows her as she experiences the destruction of the world around her. Although flawed, Jess is intelligent and brave and this story is as much about her struggling for justice and independence as it is about her finding love for the first time. The novel has a good pace but still makes you stop to think and draws you in to the enigmatic Hebrides, which are beautifully described. I'll be reading it again. It has all the elements of a great movie.
February 8, 2024
A really enjoyable read that was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters, who were written so vibrantly that they jumped off of the page. I really liked some of the characters but my favourite was Jess I warmed to her right away.
The book had obviously been very well researched and that was all put across so well without feeling like I was reading a history book. I was so enamored by the setting, which I have never visited but after googling it, it wasn't hard to imagine it just over two hundred years ago, it was described so well that I felt like I was there. I almost wish I was because I would have loved to meet Jess.
I also love the fact that this was inspired by a true story and has made me want to look more into it and visit the place that was inspired by it.
The book had obviously been very well researched and that was all put across so well without feeling like I was reading a history book. I was so enamored by the setting, which I have never visited but after googling it, it wasn't hard to imagine it just over two hundred years ago, it was described so well that I felt like I was there. I almost wish I was because I would have loved to meet Jess.
I also love the fact that this was inspired by a true story and has made me want to look more into it and visit the place that was inspired by it.
February 14, 2024
I love historical fiction and this is based on a true story. I have never read a book about the highland clearances before so it is all new to me. This is a thought provoking book, with a lot of interesting themes. Jess is a great character and she challenges what she perceives to be wrong. I would definitely recommend this thought provoking book and I’d like to read more by Mhairead, a beautifully written book!
March 12, 2019
An excellent novel - combines a fast moving plot with convincing characters. I was sorry to have to say good bye at the end. Obviously very well researched, it makes the mid-nineteenth century in Scotland come vividly alive. But the the heroine's fight to gain her independence is very relevant to the 21st century. This novel would make a great movie or TV series!
March 8, 2019
A great book, a very engrossing story and it captures life in the highlands at the times. Highly recommended.
July 23, 2019
This book is a little gem. If you're interested in Scottish history I'd say it's a must-read, but there's a familiarity with other cultures and times. It reminds me of Thomas Hardy novels - the realism, romanticism and poetry and emphasis on the impact of industry on rural communities. It has elements of Far from the Madding Crowd which is one of my favourite classics. Macleod's prose is rich, spare and at times, poetic. A powerful and authentic novel with heart.
February 29, 2024
Knowing this book was based on a true story during one of the worst times in Scotland's History I went into it expecting it to be all the more harrowing and heartbreaking but it was a beautiful, compelling and inspiring read.
An engrossing read with well developed wonderful characters, particularly Jess who is strong, brave, intelligent and has a unique insight into both sides of the situation. While my knowledge about this time in Scotland is very limited its very similar to the harrowing parts of History my Country Ireland experienced and most will relate to it in one way or another and I definitely want to learn more about this part of history.
The author has a wonderful style of writing, bringing this part of history to life perfectly, describing the landscape and the Islands so vividly you will feel you have been transported back in time.
While this is a powerful lesson in history it doesn't feel like a history lesson, the author has done an amazing job of pulling you into a beautiful story while teaching you so much a long the way.
An engrossing read with well developed wonderful characters, particularly Jess who is strong, brave, intelligent and has a unique insight into both sides of the situation. While my knowledge about this time in Scotland is very limited its very similar to the harrowing parts of History my Country Ireland experienced and most will relate to it in one way or another and I definitely want to learn more about this part of history.
The author has a wonderful style of writing, bringing this part of history to life perfectly, describing the landscape and the Islands so vividly you will feel you have been transported back in time.
While this is a powerful lesson in history it doesn't feel like a history lesson, the author has done an amazing job of pulling you into a beautiful story while teaching you so much a long the way.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews