Rewilding: a novella

by Catherine Czerkawska

New from acclaimed Scottish author, Catherine a disturbing piece of short fiction. On a solo trek in the Scottish Highlands, the narrator has an unexpected meeting with an intriguing stranger. Drawing on her expert knowledge of mythology and the folk customs and beliefs of Scotland, the author has constructed a fascinating and at times frightening story of a perilous encounter. Is this an exploration of fear and the power of imagination in remote places - or is it a disturbing love story with a touch of the supernatural? The reader must make up her own mind. Praise for Catherine Czerkawska's 'A lyricism which conjures up vivid pictures of landscape and a sparse, readable style which drives the plot along.' The Scotsman 'Moving, poetic and quietly provocative.' The Independent. 'Czerkawska is rightly known as one of the most interesting and individual historical novelists we have, able to find a relatable way to tell a story which may have been overlooked otherwise.' Alistair Braidwood, Scots Whay Hae!

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2019

About the author

I’m a novelist, historian and experienced professional playwright, living and working in Scotland.

I write warm, intelligent and grown-up stories - some historical, some contemporary and some a mixture of both. I have more than 100 hours of BBC radio drama to my name as well as many professional theatre productions.

My fiction and non-fiction was previously published by Saraband, now by Dyrock Publishing, and some of my plays by Nick Hern Books.

My fiction includes The Physic Garden, a Scottish historical novel about an early nineteenth century gardener, his love for weaver's daughter Jenny and his friendship with botanist Dr Thomas Brown. Set in Glasgow, this is a moving and engrossing story of friendship and betrayal.

The Jewel, published in May 2016 is a luscious historical novel, bringing to glorious life the dramatic years of Jean Armour and Robert Burns's courtship and their tempestuous, married life against a background simmering with political intrigue and turmoil. For Jean is a selection of poems, songs and letters written by the poet with Jean Armour in mind

The Curiosity Cabinet is set on the small fictional inner Hebridean island of Garve, and involves parallel stories, three hundred years apart. Henrietta Dalrymple is kidnapped and held on Garve by the fearsome laird, Manus McNeill, while in the present day, Alys returns to the island where she spent childhood holidays, and renews an old friendship. While Henrietta must decide who she can trust, Alys must earn the trust of the man she loves. But for both women, the tug of motherhood will finally influence their decisions.

The Posy Ring set on the same small fictional Hebridean island as the Curiosity Cabinet, is (almost) a sequel to that novel, now published by Dyrock Publishing.

My books, fiction and non-fiction, are available in paperback and as eBooks on Amazon.

I’ve held Creative Writing fellowships and residencies and spent four years as Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at the University of the West of Scotland. I enjoy giving readings and talks about all aspects of my work and love chatting to my readers so please don't be shy about contacting me.

I also collect and deal in antiques, mainly textiles, in my spare time - quite often they find their way into my fiction.

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book. I bought it as it promised several things that interested me, it was about Scotland, in the country, mentioned gaelic and featured a single woman. The author has an interest & even qualifications in folklore & history. I'd read some of her other work and really enjoyed it. I'm so glad I did. It's seen from the point of view of one woman who goes on a long hike in the Scottish hills. I'll say no more in case I give the plot away but it has wonderful atmosphere, I was so enraptured it took me a second or two when I looked up to remember where I was!!

The writing is lovely, smooth, emotional, rhythmic the scenery detail is atmospheric and moving. I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters and loved the ending, which I won't give away!

Needless to say I'll be reading more of her books, they're just like an armchair holiday!!

[Eliza Langland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm looking forward to re-reading this. It's a delicious piece of writing. The story has stayed with me since I first read it - twice - because I read it too quickly the first time. I realised I'd not taken enough time to savour it. I'll be reading it again soon. That's surely the mark of a good read? Knowing how a story ends, having had the pleasure of discovery the first time through, takes you to the deeper joy of how the writer puts the story on the page. This seems a simple tale. Its echoes in the memory are something to be treasured. Oh. I'm even keener to re-read it now! Give yourself a treat and visit it, if you like to be intrigued by a story that takes you to a place of fantasy that rings true, and if you treasure the land, nature, the elements and the meaning of life itself.

[Olga Wojtas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is the perfect length. It's told from the point of view of Mirren McLeod, who is undertaking a four-day sponsored trek in the Western Highlands in memory of her father, who has died of cancer. It starts on Friday 13th, but as she says, she's not superstitious. She does, however, have a very disturbing nightmare just before she leaves. Mirren's voice is great: a successful professional, she's nonetheless anxious and uncertain, particularly after the break-up of a long-term relationship. As she walks through the Highlands, she becomes increasingly sensitive to her surroundings. And the Highlands are a mysterious place...

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disturbing novella set in the Scottish Highlands, the account of a short solo walk for purposes not quite made clear. As can happen on solo walks, there is much reflection on the narrator’s past, her bolting mother and dead father and abandoned relationship. And then she meets a mysterious handsome stranger …

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting story

I enjoyed this story about a lonely young woman on a personal journey of independence in the Highlands of Scotland.
The piece was well researched and a persuasive story. The ending wasn't surprising but the story was a pleasure to read in one session.
I would welcome another work of fiction by Catherine Czerkawska.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an atmospheric novella filled with magic, folklore, and beauty.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing, well written rather spooky short story with myth and more than a hint of magic!