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Rose Nicolson
Embra, winter of 1574. Queen Mary has fled Scotland, to raise an army from the French. Her son and heir, Jamie is held under protection in Stirling Castle. John Knox is dead. The people are unmoored and lurching under the uncertain governance of this riven land. It's a deadly time for young student Will Fowler, short of stature, low of birth but mightily ambitious, to make his name.
Fowler has found himself where the scorch marks of the martyrs burned at the stake can be seen on every street, where differences in doctrine can prove fatal, where the feuds of great families pull innocents into their bloody realm. There he befriends the austere stick-wielding philosopher Tom Nicolson, son of a fishing family whose sister Rose, untutored, brilliant and exceedingly beautiful exhibits a free-thinking mind that can only bring danger upon her and her admirers.
The lowly students are adept at attracting the attentions of the rich and powerful, not least Walter Scott, brave and ruthless heir to Branxholm and Buccleuch, who is set on exploiting the civil wars to further his political and dynastic ambitions. His friendship and patronage will lead Will to the to the very centre of a conspiracy that will determine who will take Scotland's crown.
Rose Nicolson is a vivid, passionate and unforgettable novel of this most dramatic period of Scotland's history, told by a character whose rise mirrors the conflicts he narrates, the battles between faith and reason, love and friendship, self-interest and loyalty. It confirms Andrew Greig as one of the great contemporary writers of fiction.
Fowler has found himself where the scorch marks of the martyrs burned at the stake can be seen on every street, where differences in doctrine can prove fatal, where the feuds of great families pull innocents into their bloody realm. There he befriends the austere stick-wielding philosopher Tom Nicolson, son of a fishing family whose sister Rose, untutored, brilliant and exceedingly beautiful exhibits a free-thinking mind that can only bring danger upon her and her admirers.
The lowly students are adept at attracting the attentions of the rich and powerful, not least Walter Scott, brave and ruthless heir to Branxholm and Buccleuch, who is set on exploiting the civil wars to further his political and dynastic ambitions. His friendship and patronage will lead Will to the to the very centre of a conspiracy that will determine who will take Scotland's crown.
Rose Nicolson is a vivid, passionate and unforgettable novel of this most dramatic period of Scotland's history, told by a character whose rise mirrors the conflicts he narrates, the battles between faith and reason, love and friendship, self-interest and loyalty. It confirms Andrew Greig as one of the great contemporary writers of fiction.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 8, 2024
Wonderful historic story interweaving fiction with real people. Restrained passion is always bubbling away towards religion, country and the potential love of your life.
The religious divide is present and the author mixes this with moments of philosophical thought where we ask ourselves if we have a choice in life, or has it already been chosen for us? Decent use of the Scots language.
The religious divide is present and the author mixes this with moments of philosophical thought where we ask ourselves if we have a choice in life, or has it already been chosen for us? Decent use of the Scots language.
July 6, 2024
A fairly chunky historical novel from Andrew Greig, who is a contemporary Scottish author. This is the third of his books I have read, and I have had mixed reactions to them.
This is a work of fiction but it is presented as a “memoir” from a real-life historical figure, one William Fowler. I don’t know much about Fowler but from what I can make out he was a court poet to James VI/I, a diplomat and, if not exactly a spy, a “seller of information.” Other real-life historical figures feature prominently as well, especially Walter Scott of Buccleuch, a celebrated Border reiver* known even in his own time as “the bold Buccleuch”. (The Scottish pronunciation of the place name is akin to “bookloo”. Incidentally the famed author of the same name was from the same family, although he lived a couple of centuries after the events of this novel).
The novel opens in 1574 with Fowler attending his first year as a student at St. Andrews University. This was little more than a decade after the Protestant Reformation became established in Scotland following a bloody and traumatic struggle over decades, and the type of Protestantism established was much more radical than that of England. The plot is based around plans for a Counter-Reformation, and the paranoia and suspicion that arise amongst the Protestants as a result. “Rose Nicolson” is the name of Fowler’s romantic interest, a local Fife fisher lass. I presume she is a fictional character. I didn’t find her an entirely convincing creation of her time and background, but her presence in the story wasn’t so anachronistic as to spoil the novel.
Rose Nicolson apart, I thought the novel scored well on historical “feel”, in the descriptions of the environment and in conveying the sense of a small country with a kinship based social structure, that was also in the grip of religious fervour. I thought the plot itself was so-so. The novel was readable enough but the excitement meter never rose much above moderate.
Knowing something of Scottish history would probably help in following the plot. I have a natural advantage in that, but there were times when I found myself confronted with a name and thinking “Which faction are they with again?”. Also there are a lot of old Scots words used in this book, although there is a glossary that non-Scots can refer to.
I liked the ending to this one.
*“Reiver” equates to the modern day word “raider”. The Border Reivers lived on both sides of the Scotland/England border, and engaged in cattle and horse rustling, and the feuds which resulted from them.
This is a work of fiction but it is presented as a “memoir” from a real-life historical figure, one William Fowler. I don’t know much about Fowler but from what I can make out he was a court poet to James VI/I, a diplomat and, if not exactly a spy, a “seller of information.” Other real-life historical figures feature prominently as well, especially Walter Scott of Buccleuch, a celebrated Border reiver* known even in his own time as “the bold Buccleuch”. (The Scottish pronunciation of the place name is akin to “bookloo”. Incidentally the famed author of the same name was from the same family, although he lived a couple of centuries after the events of this novel).
The novel opens in 1574 with Fowler attending his first year as a student at St. Andrews University. This was little more than a decade after the Protestant Reformation became established in Scotland following a bloody and traumatic struggle over decades, and the type of Protestantism established was much more radical than that of England. The plot is based around plans for a Counter-Reformation, and the paranoia and suspicion that arise amongst the Protestants as a result. “Rose Nicolson” is the name of Fowler’s romantic interest, a local Fife fisher lass. I presume she is a fictional character. I didn’t find her an entirely convincing creation of her time and background, but her presence in the story wasn’t so anachronistic as to spoil the novel.
Rose Nicolson apart, I thought the novel scored well on historical “feel”, in the descriptions of the environment and in conveying the sense of a small country with a kinship based social structure, that was also in the grip of religious fervour. I thought the plot itself was so-so. The novel was readable enough but the excitement meter never rose much above moderate.
Knowing something of Scottish history would probably help in following the plot. I have a natural advantage in that, but there were times when I found myself confronted with a name and thinking “Which faction are they with again?”. Also there are a lot of old Scots words used in this book, although there is a glossary that non-Scots can refer to.
I liked the ending to this one.
*“Reiver” equates to the modern day word “raider”. The Border Reivers lived on both sides of the Scotland/England border, and engaged in cattle and horse rustling, and the feuds which resulted from them.
January 9, 2023
I have had a soft spot for Andrew Greig's writing ever since picking up his first novel Electric Brae years ago in a clearance sale and loving it, and At the Loch of the Green Corrie is also one of my favourite books. He is a very versatile writer, and his historical fiction is also clever and insightful, though not without the mischievous and humorous elements that characterise his lighter fiction.
This one is set in a period of Scottish history I knew little about, the late 16th century, before Scotland's King James VI ("Jamie Saxt", here appearing as a boy king) became James I of England too. His main protagonist, the poet and sometime spy William Fowler was a real person, and much of the historical framework is real too, but the other main character, the titular Rose Nicolson, seems to be fictional.
We follow Fowler from boyhood in Edinburgh "Embra" through his university years in St Andrews, partly financed by sometimes clandestine dealing on behalf of his money lender mother, to a young adulthood in which he becomes involved in the royal plots and intrigues that may have prevented James reverting to Catholicism under the influence of the his charismatic favourite Esmé Stewart.
The other main protagonist Rose Nicolson is the sister of Fowler's poor scholar friend Tom, whose place in St Andrews' fishing community is threatened both by her own thwarted scholarship and her independent minded views about the injustices imposed on women by the church. She marries a fisherman for her own protection. .
Greig also finds places for many other colourful real characters such as the young Walter Scott (not the writer whose time was much later) and the aforementioned Esmé Stewart, and the factual and fictional elements are woven fairly convincingly, if a little fancifully at times. The book uses quite a lot of Scottish dialect, most of which appears in the glossary at the end, but for me this never made it hard to read, as much of it was already familiar or clear from the context.
Incidentally the period pastiche subtitle only appears on the inside title page, and I am tempted to remove it from the GoodReads title, as the short title is much easier to remember.
This one is set in a period of Scottish history I knew little about, the late 16th century, before Scotland's King James VI ("Jamie Saxt", here appearing as a boy king) became James I of England too. His main protagonist, the poet and sometime spy William Fowler was a real person, and much of the historical framework is real too, but the other main character, the titular Rose Nicolson, seems to be fictional.
We follow Fowler from boyhood in Edinburgh "Embra" through his university years in St Andrews, partly financed by sometimes clandestine dealing on behalf of his money lender mother, to a young adulthood in which he becomes involved in the royal plots and intrigues that may have prevented James reverting to Catholicism under the influence of the his charismatic favourite Esmé Stewart.
The other main protagonist Rose Nicolson is the sister of Fowler's poor scholar friend Tom, whose place in St Andrews' fishing community is threatened both by her own thwarted scholarship and her independent minded views about the injustices imposed on women by the church. She marries a fisherman for her own protection. .
Greig also finds places for many other colourful real characters such as the young Walter Scott (not the writer whose time was much later) and the aforementioned Esmé Stewart, and the factual and fictional elements are woven fairly convincingly, if a little fancifully at times. The book uses quite a lot of Scottish dialect, most of which appears in the glossary at the end, but for me this never made it hard to read, as much of it was already familiar or clear from the context.
Incidentally the period pastiche subtitle only appears on the inside title page, and I am tempted to remove it from the GoodReads title, as the short title is much easier to remember.
June 3, 2022
An interesting and powerful read. I really enjoyed the love story and the human relationships, although I struggled to follow some of the politics.
February 25, 2022
A tale I have for you…
~ William Fowler
The time is the 1570s. Mary Queen of Scots has fallen from power and fled to France, and the boy King, Jamie Saxt, is in Stirling Castle – for his protection or as prisoner is a matter of interpretation – while Scotland is being governed by Regent Morton. John Knox is dead but his Reformation is thriving. The power struggle between Reformists and Roman Catholics is ongoing, with control of the young King at the heart of it. Two previous Regents have died, probably murdered, and both factions have taken turns at burning “martyrs”. Our narrator is Will Fowler, little more than a boy when the story begins, off to study at St Andrews, even then one of the ancient centres of learning – and politics, and plots, and skulduggery. And when Will and his new friend Tom Nicolson accidentally become embroiled in an incident in a pub, they find they have unwittingly foiled a plot and, in so doing, have aligned themselves with the Reformists, making enemies of the powerful Catholic family, the Hamiltons, and becoming friends with the adventurous and dangerous young Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch, the “Bold Buccleuch”, and his kin. These friendships and enmities will shape young Will’s future, as will his love for Tom’s lovely and wilful sister, Rose Nicolson…
Do you ever get that lovely feeling that an author has written a book specially for you? That’s how I feel about this one. It has everything I want in a Scottish novel: an interesting period of history that has nothing to do with Jacobites, nor Mary Queen of Scots, nor Glasgow gangs, nor dreary twentieth century alcoholics; a wonderful use of old Scots vocabulary, but avoiding too much hard to read dialect; exciting adventures, happening to likeable and entertaining characters; real insight into how people lived, thought and acted in the time; knowledgeable and affectionate insight, too, into the Scottish literary tradition; a touch of romance, but avoiding all soppiness; and some beautifully presented and well-timed humour, often at the expense of the religious divides that continue to plague Scotland into the present. I’ve loved Andrew Greig’s writing over several books, but often haven’t particularly enjoyed the subjects he’s chosen, so it’s a real delight for me to finally have the joy of that great writing in a story that seems custom-made to suit my preferences!
William Fowler of Embra (Edinburgh) was a real person – a makar (poet), writer, translator and courtier, who got involved in the various political shenanigans going on in Scotland at this muddled and perilous time. Here, Greig gives us just the early years of Fowler’s life, (and I sincerely hope he’s working hard on a follow-up, since the latter part of his career sounds just as interesting).
As far as I can tell with my limited knowledge of the period, it’s historically accurate – it’s certainly entirely convincing, and delightfully free of anachronistic attitudes forced onto the historical characters. Almost every character in it is a real person – I think only the Nicolsons and occasional peripheral characters are an outright creation of the author, though I stand to be corrected if I’m wrong on that. Given that I struggled from time to time to place people in their correct factions, I did wonder whether this would be a difficult one for people with no knowledge of the history, but I found as I read on that gradually it all became clear, so I feel it would work even for newcomers to the period and is a painless and enjoyable way to learn a little about this time. There is a guide to archaic Scots vocabulary, in my copy at the end of the book, although happily (being an archaic Scot) I didn’t find much need to refer to it. Greig is great at putting possibly unfamiliar words into context so that their meaning is obvious.
Greig is himself a poet, and his love of being part of the long and ancient tradition of Scottish poetry shows through often in his work. Here he gives a lovely picture of the young Will’s development as a poet, at first derivative of the poets he himself revered before gradually finding his own style. Unfortunately I couldn’t find much of Fowler’s poetry online, but I felt Greig gave a great flavour, not just of him but of some of the earlier poets he shows Fowler as admiring.
Rose is a great character too, an intelligent and opinionated young woman restricted by both gender and class. Educated beyond her social level by her brother Tom, she struggles to conform to society’s expectations and, as happened frequently in those days to women who couldn’t conform, falls foul of the church. Will’s passion for her is beautifully done – a boyish infatuation that slowly matures into true friendship and love. Although the book is given her name and her story develops throughout, the real star is Will and the meat of the story, for me at least, lies in the political machinations of the Reformation. Oh dear, I haven’t talked enough about the King, either, or Walter Scott and the border reiving, or the Earl of Bothwell, or Will’s adventures in Paris! There’s nothing else for it – you’ll just have to read it for yourself! My highest recommendation for this wonderful book!
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Quercus.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
~ William Fowler
The time is the 1570s. Mary Queen of Scots has fallen from power and fled to France, and the boy King, Jamie Saxt, is in Stirling Castle – for his protection or as prisoner is a matter of interpretation – while Scotland is being governed by Regent Morton. John Knox is dead but his Reformation is thriving. The power struggle between Reformists and Roman Catholics is ongoing, with control of the young King at the heart of it. Two previous Regents have died, probably murdered, and both factions have taken turns at burning “martyrs”. Our narrator is Will Fowler, little more than a boy when the story begins, off to study at St Andrews, even then one of the ancient centres of learning – and politics, and plots, and skulduggery. And when Will and his new friend Tom Nicolson accidentally become embroiled in an incident in a pub, they find they have unwittingly foiled a plot and, in so doing, have aligned themselves with the Reformists, making enemies of the powerful Catholic family, the Hamiltons, and becoming friends with the adventurous and dangerous young Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch, the “Bold Buccleuch”, and his kin. These friendships and enmities will shape young Will’s future, as will his love for Tom’s lovely and wilful sister, Rose Nicolson…
Do you ever get that lovely feeling that an author has written a book specially for you? That’s how I feel about this one. It has everything I want in a Scottish novel: an interesting period of history that has nothing to do with Jacobites, nor Mary Queen of Scots, nor Glasgow gangs, nor dreary twentieth century alcoholics; a wonderful use of old Scots vocabulary, but avoiding too much hard to read dialect; exciting adventures, happening to likeable and entertaining characters; real insight into how people lived, thought and acted in the time; knowledgeable and affectionate insight, too, into the Scottish literary tradition; a touch of romance, but avoiding all soppiness; and some beautifully presented and well-timed humour, often at the expense of the religious divides that continue to plague Scotland into the present. I’ve loved Andrew Greig’s writing over several books, but often haven’t particularly enjoyed the subjects he’s chosen, so it’s a real delight for me to finally have the joy of that great writing in a story that seems custom-made to suit my preferences!
William Fowler of Embra (Edinburgh) was a real person – a makar (poet), writer, translator and courtier, who got involved in the various political shenanigans going on in Scotland at this muddled and perilous time. Here, Greig gives us just the early years of Fowler’s life, (and I sincerely hope he’s working hard on a follow-up, since the latter part of his career sounds just as interesting).
As far as I can tell with my limited knowledge of the period, it’s historically accurate – it’s certainly entirely convincing, and delightfully free of anachronistic attitudes forced onto the historical characters. Almost every character in it is a real person – I think only the Nicolsons and occasional peripheral characters are an outright creation of the author, though I stand to be corrected if I’m wrong on that. Given that I struggled from time to time to place people in their correct factions, I did wonder whether this would be a difficult one for people with no knowledge of the history, but I found as I read on that gradually it all became clear, so I feel it would work even for newcomers to the period and is a painless and enjoyable way to learn a little about this time. There is a guide to archaic Scots vocabulary, in my copy at the end of the book, although happily (being an archaic Scot) I didn’t find much need to refer to it. Greig is great at putting possibly unfamiliar words into context so that their meaning is obvious.
Greig is himself a poet, and his love of being part of the long and ancient tradition of Scottish poetry shows through often in his work. Here he gives a lovely picture of the young Will’s development as a poet, at first derivative of the poets he himself revered before gradually finding his own style. Unfortunately I couldn’t find much of Fowler’s poetry online, but I felt Greig gave a great flavour, not just of him but of some of the earlier poets he shows Fowler as admiring.
Rose is a great character too, an intelligent and opinionated young woman restricted by both gender and class. Educated beyond her social level by her brother Tom, she struggles to conform to society’s expectations and, as happened frequently in those days to women who couldn’t conform, falls foul of the church. Will’s passion for her is beautifully done – a boyish infatuation that slowly matures into true friendship and love. Although the book is given her name and her story develops throughout, the real star is Will and the meat of the story, for me at least, lies in the political machinations of the Reformation. Oh dear, I haven’t talked enough about the King, either, or Walter Scott and the border reiving, or the Earl of Bothwell, or Will’s adventures in Paris! There’s nothing else for it – you’ll just have to read it for yourself! My highest recommendation for this wonderful book!
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Quercus.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
August 11, 2021
Rose Nicolson is a fictional account of the life of a real historical figure, William Fowler, a Scottish makar or poet, and is presented as his memoir written as an older man looking back on his youth. His story begins in Embra (Edinburgh) in 1574: Mary, Queen of Scots has fled to England leaving her young son, James VI, on the throne, but the real power is held by the Earl of Morton, the latest of four regents to govern Scotland during the young king’s minority. The Protestant religion now dominates but there are still those who have not given up hope of restoring Mary to the throne and returning Scotland to the Catholic church. It is during this time of political and religious uncertainty that William Fowler, the only son of an Edinburgh merchant family, sets out for St Andrews where he will become a student at the university.
William’s time in St Andrews is vividly described: the education he receives; the enlightening conversations and debates on topics such as philosophy, religion, politics and literature; his first tentative attempts at writing poetry; and the friendships he forms with the other students as they bond over drinks at the howff (pub) or during a game of gowf (golf). As you can see, Andrew Greig sprinkles Scots dialect throughout his prose, as well as using language appropriate to the time period – apart from one or two words and phrases here and there that I thought seemed out of place – and the overall effect is a narrative style that feels authentic and convincing. There’s a glossary at the end of the book for anyone who needs it, but I found it easy enough to read without it.
You may be wondering where Rose Nicolson comes into the story. Well, she’s the sister of a friend William makes at university, Tom Nicolson. Rose and Tom are from a Fife fishing family, but while Tom has been given the opportunity to study and to pursue an academic life, that is not possible for Rose. William is captivated by her intelligence, courage and quick mind, but a marriage is already planned for Rose with a local fisherman, so despite William’s love for her it seems that she will never be his wife.
As well as the romantic thread of the novel and the academic one, we also learn a lot about the period of history during which the story is set. The reign of Mary, Queen of Scots is well covered in historical fiction, but the early years of James VI’s reign are written about less often, which is a shame as it’s a complex, interesting and very eventful period. Many of the characters William meets in the novel are people who really existed; these include George Buchanan, the Scottish historian and humanist scholar, who recruits William as a spy; Esmé Stewart, the first of the young king’s many favourites; and most notably, Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch, the clever and charismatic border reiver who becomes a good friend of William’s and really deserves a whole book to himself! As for our hero William Fowler, I knew nothing at all about him until I read this book; I resisted the temptation to look him up online until I had finished, but it seems that he led a fascinating life. Rose Nicolson only covers the early part of his career, but it looks as though there’s enough material for several more books!
If you enjoy this one, I can also recommend another Andrew Greig novel, Fair Helen, based on a Scottish Border Ballad.
William’s time in St Andrews is vividly described: the education he receives; the enlightening conversations and debates on topics such as philosophy, religion, politics and literature; his first tentative attempts at writing poetry; and the friendships he forms with the other students as they bond over drinks at the howff (pub) or during a game of gowf (golf). As you can see, Andrew Greig sprinkles Scots dialect throughout his prose, as well as using language appropriate to the time period – apart from one or two words and phrases here and there that I thought seemed out of place – and the overall effect is a narrative style that feels authentic and convincing. There’s a glossary at the end of the book for anyone who needs it, but I found it easy enough to read without it.
You may be wondering where Rose Nicolson comes into the story. Well, she’s the sister of a friend William makes at university, Tom Nicolson. Rose and Tom are from a Fife fishing family, but while Tom has been given the opportunity to study and to pursue an academic life, that is not possible for Rose. William is captivated by her intelligence, courage and quick mind, but a marriage is already planned for Rose with a local fisherman, so despite William’s love for her it seems that she will never be his wife.
As well as the romantic thread of the novel and the academic one, we also learn a lot about the period of history during which the story is set. The reign of Mary, Queen of Scots is well covered in historical fiction, but the early years of James VI’s reign are written about less often, which is a shame as it’s a complex, interesting and very eventful period. Many of the characters William meets in the novel are people who really existed; these include George Buchanan, the Scottish historian and humanist scholar, who recruits William as a spy; Esmé Stewart, the first of the young king’s many favourites; and most notably, Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch, the clever and charismatic border reiver who becomes a good friend of William’s and really deserves a whole book to himself! As for our hero William Fowler, I knew nothing at all about him until I read this book; I resisted the temptation to look him up online until I had finished, but it seems that he led a fascinating life. Rose Nicolson only covers the early part of his career, but it looks as though there’s enough material for several more books!
If you enjoy this one, I can also recommend another Andrew Greig novel, Fair Helen, based on a Scottish Border Ballad.
December 13, 2022
Historical fiction set in Scotland in the late 1500s, narrator William Fowler (a real person) looks back on the turbulent times when James VI (son of Mary Queen of Scots) was a youth. William is captivated by a young fisher girl, Rose Nicolson, who is intelligent and loves to read, though she is betrothed to another. This was a period of history in which the Protestant religion has become prominent, but some still desire to restore Catholicism. It is a story of unrequited love, politics, intrigue, murder, superstitions, and the written word.
The storyline covers William’s family history, education, and involvement in the political turmoil of the era. It is realistic historical fiction that bogs down occasionally in a sea of detail, but overall, I found it an enjoyable read. It spurred me to research further into the history of the period. The narrative includes a good amount of Scottish dialect and antiquated terms, and there is a helpful glossary provided in the back.
3.5
The storyline covers William’s family history, education, and involvement in the political turmoil of the era. It is realistic historical fiction that bogs down occasionally in a sea of detail, but overall, I found it an enjoyable read. It spurred me to research further into the history of the period. The narrative includes a good amount of Scottish dialect and antiquated terms, and there is a helpful glossary provided in the back.
3.5
May 18, 2021
Published: 5th August 2021
‘For the most part History goes by us like the breeze, lightly brushing at our sleeve...’
This morning, in the early hours, I completed this beauty of a book. The Sun had not yet risen and the mood fit perfectly on the final chapter which drew a close to a journey I’ve so enjoyed.
Much like the plot, my soul drifted into this book like a knife gliding through butter with moments of reflection and research I felt was important to understanding more deeply the character’s actions throughout the story; such is the intellectual lucidity of Greig’s writing.
Set in Embra, Scotland. 1574. The political landscape is in upheaval making way for disorder but as is so often the case, a rising of literary genius clambers through the cracks just when the world needs it most. Conflict and tension gives rise to passion, loyalty, friendship and love. A world of contrasts shown most poignantly through this novel.
I soaked up the Scottish dialect which positively impacted on the connections I made with the characters; Will Fowler’s journey of self discovery was a joy as was Rose, whose fire shone bright. A trailblazer whose intellect was inhibited by the period of time in which she lived. A sad reality for so many women through the ages.
Many beautiful references to stoicism, philosophy, poetry and literature of the time which I am excited to explore further: Dante, Petrarch, Du Bartas, Dunbar, ‘Amores’, ‘Heroides’.
I loved this book for many reasons. From the moment I saw it, there was something that drew me in. It covers a period of history which I know very little about. The characters came alive to me and I could imagine the landscape so vividly. The sea, a symbol of connection, safety, loss, reinvention, and hope for a better future.
Thank you so, so much @quercusbooks @riverrun_books for sending me a proof copy. It was a privilege to read and for anyone who loves historical fiction - this is definitely one for you.
‘For the most part History goes by us like the breeze, lightly brushing at our sleeve...’
This morning, in the early hours, I completed this beauty of a book. The Sun had not yet risen and the mood fit perfectly on the final chapter which drew a close to a journey I’ve so enjoyed.
Much like the plot, my soul drifted into this book like a knife gliding through butter with moments of reflection and research I felt was important to understanding more deeply the character’s actions throughout the story; such is the intellectual lucidity of Greig’s writing.
Set in Embra, Scotland. 1574. The political landscape is in upheaval making way for disorder but as is so often the case, a rising of literary genius clambers through the cracks just when the world needs it most. Conflict and tension gives rise to passion, loyalty, friendship and love. A world of contrasts shown most poignantly through this novel.
I soaked up the Scottish dialect which positively impacted on the connections I made with the characters; Will Fowler’s journey of self discovery was a joy as was Rose, whose fire shone bright. A trailblazer whose intellect was inhibited by the period of time in which she lived. A sad reality for so many women through the ages.
Many beautiful references to stoicism, philosophy, poetry and literature of the time which I am excited to explore further: Dante, Petrarch, Du Bartas, Dunbar, ‘Amores’, ‘Heroides’.
I loved this book for many reasons. From the moment I saw it, there was something that drew me in. It covers a period of history which I know very little about. The characters came alive to me and I could imagine the landscape so vividly. The sea, a symbol of connection, safety, loss, reinvention, and hope for a better future.
Thank you so, so much @quercusbooks @riverrun_books for sending me a proof copy. It was a privilege to read and for anyone who loves historical fiction - this is definitely one for you.
January 27, 2022
Somewhere between a three and four star rating for me. Eminently readable, with a decent smattering of Scots sprinkled throughout and a glossary at the back which I barely used. If you like Hilary Mantel’s take on the past, replete with the occasional modernism this may be the book for you. Dialogue heavy, with exposition woven in in such a way that it interferes not a jot with the telling. Important that Scotland as a nation has books like these to hang their tales on our histories. Plenty of information about the comings and goings of the characters of Jamie Saxt’s regency . I find myself musing on the author’s choice of Rose Nicolson as the titular head of William Fowler’s memoir, given that she is peripheral to much of the story but central to Fowler’s heart. Rose being the only character I have much love for, otherwise in the book there’s much to like but not to love.
April 27, 2023
Well done, you-are-there historical fiction. I know next to nothing about this period of Scottish history, but for the most part I was able to follow the complex politics of the era. The divisions between the Reformists lost me a little, but it didn't slow me down or weigh down the story. Three and a half stars because it felt a bit 'standard' to me, in the sense that it didn't tweak the genre at all, the way that books like Laurus or Nobber do. I guess I like a little weirdness in my historical fiction. Two minor complaints - I wish the author tried a little harder with the title and one small plot point at the end just didn't sit right with me.
July 23, 2021
‘For the most part History goes by us like the breeze, lightly brushing at our sleeve… But once, twice, maybe four times in this little life… the storm of History hits us.’
Rose Nicholson is an enchanting novel. If you love to dance in the magic of language; I challenge you not to be captivated by this book. Beginning in Embra (Edinburgh) in 1574, we follow a young scholar, Will Fowler as he sets of out for St Andrews, an education, and a future intertwined with the most powerful and passionate players of the Scottish Reformation.
From the first sentence, the magic of Greig’s prose takes hold. The external chaos of this most turbulent period of history is breathtakingly juxtaposed to the internal world and wonderings of a young man attempting to make sense of who he is. In 1574, Scotland is a volatile and divided stage on which some of the greatest characters and thinkers of the Age are vying for power, protection, and prosperity. Queen Mary has fled Scotland and James VI is held under the guard and influence of powerful men. It remains to be seen whether the hold of the Protestant Reformation will endure, or whether the Old Faith, even the Old Queen, are quietly biding their time in the shadows of history.
It is a story of big ideas and cataclysms. Of the power of language, education, philosophy, and new ways of thinking, of renaissance overcoming religious dominance, of Socrates, Plato and of Kings. But it is also the intimate story of lives, loves, friendships and betrayals, ambition, jealousy and of the repression of brilliant and free-thinking women at both the very highest and most modest levels of society.
Greig is a consummate storyteller with a masterful knowledge of religious, social, political and theological debate. Perhaps what I most loved about this novel is the sheer beauty of the language used to construct it. Scots dialectic subsumes the reader into the events. It is musical, lyrical, intelligent, and enchanting. If love at first sight is ‘giddying Idolatry’ – Rose has my heart.
Rose Nicholson is an enchanting novel. If you love to dance in the magic of language; I challenge you not to be captivated by this book. Beginning in Embra (Edinburgh) in 1574, we follow a young scholar, Will Fowler as he sets of out for St Andrews, an education, and a future intertwined with the most powerful and passionate players of the Scottish Reformation.
From the first sentence, the magic of Greig’s prose takes hold. The external chaos of this most turbulent period of history is breathtakingly juxtaposed to the internal world and wonderings of a young man attempting to make sense of who he is. In 1574, Scotland is a volatile and divided stage on which some of the greatest characters and thinkers of the Age are vying for power, protection, and prosperity. Queen Mary has fled Scotland and James VI is held under the guard and influence of powerful men. It remains to be seen whether the hold of the Protestant Reformation will endure, or whether the Old Faith, even the Old Queen, are quietly biding their time in the shadows of history.
It is a story of big ideas and cataclysms. Of the power of language, education, philosophy, and new ways of thinking, of renaissance overcoming religious dominance, of Socrates, Plato and of Kings. But it is also the intimate story of lives, loves, friendships and betrayals, ambition, jealousy and of the repression of brilliant and free-thinking women at both the very highest and most modest levels of society.
Greig is a consummate storyteller with a masterful knowledge of religious, social, political and theological debate. Perhaps what I most loved about this novel is the sheer beauty of the language used to construct it. Scots dialectic subsumes the reader into the events. It is musical, lyrical, intelligent, and enchanting. If love at first sight is ‘giddying Idolatry’ – Rose has my heart.
August 24, 2021
This book is tricky to write a review for and i think thats why there are so few actual reviews written.
It is based in Scotland (mainly Edinburgh and St Andrews) in the time of Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment by the English Queen Elizabeth. Marys easily influenced son James is brought to the Scottish throne as a young boy but overshadowed by his council who run the country through him causing unrest and fighting within the nobles of the land and country who want power and reform.
The book loosely follows the Scottish language which, if you’re Scottish, is easy enough but i could imagine others may find this off putting even with the help of the ‘menu of terms and phrases’ at the back of the book. It didn’t always work either as the author had to switch between a mixture of Scottish and English so the writing could be understood.
I liked the book. I found it a bit long winded and definitely a slow burner but still enjoyable. The descriptions of the towns still have a ring of familiarity to the current state of these places which i liked and could picture old Edinburgh vividly in my head while reading. I was frustrated by the outcome of Rose though. It felt like a cop out. Without saying any more! And i absolutely loved the character of Sir Walter Scott. History does not always portray him kindly but the author did him justice and made him into the dashing, energetic and loyal character that he was with only hints of his unfortunate (murderous) past.
It is based in Scotland (mainly Edinburgh and St Andrews) in the time of Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment by the English Queen Elizabeth. Marys easily influenced son James is brought to the Scottish throne as a young boy but overshadowed by his council who run the country through him causing unrest and fighting within the nobles of the land and country who want power and reform.
The book loosely follows the Scottish language which, if you’re Scottish, is easy enough but i could imagine others may find this off putting even with the help of the ‘menu of terms and phrases’ at the back of the book. It didn’t always work either as the author had to switch between a mixture of Scottish and English so the writing could be understood.
I liked the book. I found it a bit long winded and definitely a slow burner but still enjoyable. The descriptions of the towns still have a ring of familiarity to the current state of these places which i liked and could picture old Edinburgh vividly in my head while reading. I was frustrated by the outcome of Rose though. It felt like a cop out. Without saying any more! And i absolutely loved the character of Sir Walter Scott. History does not always portray him kindly but the author did him justice and made him into the dashing, energetic and loyal character that he was with only hints of his unfortunate (murderous) past.
September 23, 2021
The memoirs of the early life of William Fowler, written from so far ahead of the events described that there is surely a further volume or two in preparation. I hope so. First person narrative placed so far in past is a bit tricky: True to the idiom of the day would be difficult for modern readers; too modern risks losing atmosphere and credibility. I think it’s about right. Some Scots historical vernacular (with glossary) gives a sense of period and place, but it's easy enough to follow and it would be churlish to quibble about the odd phrase which sounds out of place. Young Master Fowler’s adventurous early years are well told; there’s reiving and clandestine high risk political manoeuvrings in a turbulent period as well as student frolics and a bit of growing up. The eponymous Rose is a surprisingly peripheral figure, the love of William’s young life, twice lost. He should have been bolder. Most enjoyable.
March 1, 2022
Greig has been described as Scotland’s first post-Calvinist writer. With this book it seems he has decided to run with that designation. In many ways a companion volume to the same author's Fair Helen, this is the second time he has examined the genesis of the country’s immersion in that stern, moralistic creed. We also find references to Montaigne again, not to mention Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch. For added measure we are given a glimpse of Giordano Bruno and extended encounters with George Buchanan, Jamie the Saxt and the political struggles of the times.
Above all though, as a novelist Greig is the great expositor of love, the grand theme that runs through all his prose work, but with a poet’s eye for its joys and sorrows. And of course, where would literature be without it?
The love in question here is that of narrator William Fowler of Anchor Close, Embra (“Fowler” always designates Edinburgh in this way,) for Rose Nicolson, the sister of his companion scholar, Tom, at the University of St Andrews, to whom he is drawn one day as he sees her mending fishing nets, down by the harbour. He becomes a friend of the family but Rose has an understanding with John Gourlay, a fisherman with boats and, more crucially, prospects. He also discovers Rose’s remarkable intellect, which distances her from her peers, and her unusual views about God, which could threaten her survival.
Given their times the book shows us debates about free will and predestination and Fowler says that “Humanism and the Reform were brothers locked in a deadly embrace, for one was destined to destroy the other.”
This historical era, for so long unexamined, has become ripe for novelistic consideration. It was a more foundational moment for Scotland than the Jacobite rebellions much more harped on by Scottish literature. It was the time when the country plunged into the dark umbra of Calvinism from which it has only emerged, blinking - and astonished at itself - during the last fifty years. As Will says in his last words to Rose, “‘But you’ll be back some day? …. When times are fit?’” She replies, “‘In five hunner years they may be fit.’”
The book also encompasses 16th century Scotland’s JFK moment - hearing of the death of John Knox. Of that firebrand preacher’s style Tom says, “‘Aye, he was the great rebuker,’” before adding, “‘It’s a sair fecht, to keep men rightly building our New Jerusalem.’”
The politics were dark and messy. Adherents of the old faith - Will’s mother for one - have a strange belief they work towards that the exiled Queen Mary might return at the head of a French army and be restored, perhaps to share the throne with her son, Jamie Saxt. In his minority various regents had come and gone; most by violent or nefarious means. Even the great survivor, Regent Morton, will fall while Jamie Saxt is forever prey to threats of kidnap and manipulation.
The fanaticism of statements like, “‘This is now a Protestant nation. Dissent will not be tolerated,’��� is contrasted with the situation in England. “We had no theatre in Scotland, on account of the Kirk.” Fowler asks, “A Reformed Kirk indeed, but of what kind? And who would limit its reach? The King?” On his trip to Paris he notes the sumptuousness and brilliance of the stained glass in Paris churches. All such fripperies had been stoned out of Scotland, and the Cathedral in St Andrews pillaged of its stone. The town’s once thriving economy, dependent on pilgrims, has vanished, the University is on its uppers.
Nevertheless, that reform, since it believed women had souls, had ensured the teaching of girls up to the same age as boys. (Much good it did them. They were still liable to be denounced as witches or pawns of the Devil.)
But human impulses always survive. “What a piece of work I am,” Will says, “that can encompass fleshly desire, tenderness, sorrow and soul, and the impulse to violence, all within one afternoon. Did Aristotle know of this? Did the risen Christ?” The melancholy that rests in the Scottish soul is expressively conveyed in his response to a song. “I kenned the bleak melody and the story, as did everyone in the hall, for it was ours.”
Though he denies it to his mother, “‘No. Absolutely not,’” the text could be read as if it was Will rather than Gourlay who fathered Rose’s child. “But a stranger I must be.” He certainly exhibits a fatherly interest in Lucy. But he was in love with her mother and notwithstanding her comment to him about her marriage, “‘There were pressing reasons,’” their later conversations argue against that interpretation.
Will’s life, though, and much of the narrative, becomes embroiled in the machinations of the high heid yins and affairs of state, his profession of trader allowing him to be a conduit (a spy in plainer terms,) Walter Scott of Buccleuch’s indebtedness to him for the loan of a dirk on their first meeting and for a subsequent intervention a major factor in his - and eventually Rose’s - fortunes. Lives can be messy and unpredictable. Only in fairy tales does everyone live happily ever after.
Yet some tranquillity can be found. Tom says, “‘Our Stoic masters spend o’er much attention to making a good death, and not enough to living beforehand.’” On which the later in life Will, narrating from the vantage point of old age, reflects, “I felt those words lodge, quivering, somewhere near my heart. Despite everything, they remain there still.”
There are sly allusions; such as to Shakespeare “‘I had not dreamed of such philosophy’” and Larkin “Love and memory remain, to hurt us into life” and many incidental pleasures, little vignettes of Scottish habits and attitudes. When greeted after a beating with, “‘Man, ye look an awfy mess,’” Fowler tells us, “This was what passed for affection in these parts.” It still is.
Greig is always good on what it is to be human. “Perhaps the course of one’s life is made by the particular manner in which we never quite resolve ourselves.”
Rose Nicolson is a magnificent, learned, wise book, imbued with sensitivity and grace, and in its elegiac sense of loss, Scottish to the core.
Above all though, as a novelist Greig is the great expositor of love, the grand theme that runs through all his prose work, but with a poet’s eye for its joys and sorrows. And of course, where would literature be without it?
The love in question here is that of narrator William Fowler of Anchor Close, Embra (“Fowler” always designates Edinburgh in this way,) for Rose Nicolson, the sister of his companion scholar, Tom, at the University of St Andrews, to whom he is drawn one day as he sees her mending fishing nets, down by the harbour. He becomes a friend of the family but Rose has an understanding with John Gourlay, a fisherman with boats and, more crucially, prospects. He also discovers Rose’s remarkable intellect, which distances her from her peers, and her unusual views about God, which could threaten her survival.
Given their times the book shows us debates about free will and predestination and Fowler says that “Humanism and the Reform were brothers locked in a deadly embrace, for one was destined to destroy the other.”
This historical era, for so long unexamined, has become ripe for novelistic consideration. It was a more foundational moment for Scotland than the Jacobite rebellions much more harped on by Scottish literature. It was the time when the country plunged into the dark umbra of Calvinism from which it has only emerged, blinking - and astonished at itself - during the last fifty years. As Will says in his last words to Rose, “‘But you’ll be back some day? …. When times are fit?’” She replies, “‘In five hunner years they may be fit.’”
The book also encompasses 16th century Scotland’s JFK moment - hearing of the death of John Knox. Of that firebrand preacher’s style Tom says, “‘Aye, he was the great rebuker,’” before adding, “‘It’s a sair fecht, to keep men rightly building our New Jerusalem.’”
The politics were dark and messy. Adherents of the old faith - Will’s mother for one - have a strange belief they work towards that the exiled Queen Mary might return at the head of a French army and be restored, perhaps to share the throne with her son, Jamie Saxt. In his minority various regents had come and gone; most by violent or nefarious means. Even the great survivor, Regent Morton, will fall while Jamie Saxt is forever prey to threats of kidnap and manipulation.
The fanaticism of statements like, “‘This is now a Protestant nation. Dissent will not be tolerated,’��� is contrasted with the situation in England. “We had no theatre in Scotland, on account of the Kirk.” Fowler asks, “A Reformed Kirk indeed, but of what kind? And who would limit its reach? The King?” On his trip to Paris he notes the sumptuousness and brilliance of the stained glass in Paris churches. All such fripperies had been stoned out of Scotland, and the Cathedral in St Andrews pillaged of its stone. The town’s once thriving economy, dependent on pilgrims, has vanished, the University is on its uppers.
Nevertheless, that reform, since it believed women had souls, had ensured the teaching of girls up to the same age as boys. (Much good it did them. They were still liable to be denounced as witches or pawns of the Devil.)
But human impulses always survive. “What a piece of work I am,” Will says, “that can encompass fleshly desire, tenderness, sorrow and soul, and the impulse to violence, all within one afternoon. Did Aristotle know of this? Did the risen Christ?” The melancholy that rests in the Scottish soul is expressively conveyed in his response to a song. “I kenned the bleak melody and the story, as did everyone in the hall, for it was ours.”
Though he denies it to his mother, “‘No. Absolutely not,’” the text could be read as if it was Will rather than Gourlay who fathered Rose’s child. “But a stranger I must be.” He certainly exhibits a fatherly interest in Lucy. But he was in love with her mother and notwithstanding her comment to him about her marriage, “‘There were pressing reasons,’” their later conversations argue against that interpretation.
Will’s life, though, and much of the narrative, becomes embroiled in the machinations of the high heid yins and affairs of state, his profession of trader allowing him to be a conduit (a spy in plainer terms,) Walter Scott of Buccleuch’s indebtedness to him for the loan of a dirk on their first meeting and for a subsequent intervention a major factor in his - and eventually Rose’s - fortunes. Lives can be messy and unpredictable. Only in fairy tales does everyone live happily ever after.
Yet some tranquillity can be found. Tom says, “‘Our Stoic masters spend o’er much attention to making a good death, and not enough to living beforehand.’” On which the later in life Will, narrating from the vantage point of old age, reflects, “I felt those words lodge, quivering, somewhere near my heart. Despite everything, they remain there still.”
There are sly allusions; such as to Shakespeare “‘I had not dreamed of such philosophy’” and Larkin “Love and memory remain, to hurt us into life” and many incidental pleasures, little vignettes of Scottish habits and attitudes. When greeted after a beating with, “‘Man, ye look an awfy mess,’” Fowler tells us, “This was what passed for affection in these parts.” It still is.
Greig is always good on what it is to be human. “Perhaps the course of one’s life is made by the particular manner in which we never quite resolve ourselves.”
Rose Nicolson is a magnificent, learned, wise book, imbued with sensitivity and grace, and in its elegiac sense of loss, Scottish to the core.
February 25, 2022
Despite the use of old Scot’s vocabulary, this book reeks freshness. There is so much that is relevant to today. Will Fowler is going out in the world 16th-century street wise. A student and aspiring poet starting at St Andrew’s was brought up in a merchant’s family to trade and do business. More interested in human connections - his friendships with Tom Nicholson and his sister, Rose - he gets pulled into the shifting sands of the political and religious landscape.
This is an emotional and human adventure. Greig keeps the plot moving at a good pace, while developing character. You learn a lot about the period as it makes you want to go away and find out more. At a time when history seems to be unravelling all around us, there is a real resonance in reading about a time of such turmoil.
This is an emotional and human adventure. Greig keeps the plot moving at a good pace, while developing character. You learn a lot about the period as it makes you want to go away and find out more. At a time when history seems to be unravelling all around us, there is a real resonance in reading about a time of such turmoil.
October 29, 2022
I really expected to like this book but I found it a bit of a slog. I didn't really like Will Fowler and I didn't understand the political situation. Perhaps if I'd known more about the history of the era it would have made more sense.
I would have liked it to be more about Rose and Will but with the story being largely true I suppose the author couldn't do that. I think I was expecting more about Rose given the title, and I was also expecting more of a love story.
On a positive note, I did like the inclusion of Scots language.
I would have liked it to be more about Rose and Will but with the story being largely true I suppose the author couldn't do that. I think I was expecting more about Rose given the title, and I was also expecting more of a love story.
On a positive note, I did like the inclusion of Scots language.
August 21, 2022
I absolutely adored this book, one of my highlights of the year so far
January 18, 2024
Excellent book from Andrew Greig as always!
January 4, 2023
Poetiskt, originell, med starka och intelligenta skotska karaktärer. Berättad med en dramatiskt tid i Skottland som bakgrund. Ibland blir det lite väl mycket politiska detaljer för en oinsatt, förhoppningsvis lärde man sig och kommer ihåg något också.
January 24, 2023
As someone who doesn’t read a lot of historical fiction I really enjoyed this without the history feeling too much. The historical events didn’t overpower the characters and plot within the book. I also liked the use of Scots dialect (and a variety of other languages) throughout, I felt it really added to the time without making it hard to read.
April 8, 2024
I always enjoy anything written by Andrew Greig but did not know he had written any historical fiction. The best historical fiction creates an understanding a time remote and unknowable in the ordinary sense by seeing it through the eyes of someone whose emotional responses are completely believable to the modern reader without detracting from the sense of period authenticity.
January 2, 2022
Wonderfully written and Researched
As a graduate and local boy growing up in St Andrews I can say without a doubt this the best book I have read as a historical thriller. It took me into so many places I knew so well. I followed Will Fowler's experiences as if they were my own in my red gown a local and a student a rare pair these. Metaphor and simile so well played across the page.
As a graduate and local boy growing up in St Andrews I can say without a doubt this the best book I have read as a historical thriller. It took me into so many places I knew so well. I followed Will Fowler's experiences as if they were my own in my red gown a local and a student a rare pair these. Metaphor and simile so well played across the page.
August 5, 2021
Rose Nicolson is the story of Will Fowler, a young poet and furniture dealer, who falls in love with his impoverished university friend’s sister who is incredibly bright, but is promised in marriage to a fisherman. There’s everyday life, mixed with a touch of high politics, all wrapped up in an engrossing Bildungsroman.
I loved the setting of sixteenth century Embra (Edinburgh) during the early reign of Jamie Saxt (James the Sixth of Scotland and later to united the kingdoms of Scotland and England). The Scots dialect was very atmospheric, but sometimes difficult for this Englishwoman to understand. If you’re the same, there’s a wonderful glossary at the back of the book which I would have found very helpful if I’d thought to look for it!
A recommended read for lovers of historical fiction.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
I loved the setting of sixteenth century Embra (Edinburgh) during the early reign of Jamie Saxt (James the Sixth of Scotland and later to united the kingdoms of Scotland and England). The Scots dialect was very atmospheric, but sometimes difficult for this Englishwoman to understand. If you’re the same, there’s a wonderful glossary at the back of the book which I would have found very helpful if I’d thought to look for it!
A recommended read for lovers of historical fiction.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
August 10, 2021
I would gladly put more stars I absolutely adored this novel, my favourite this year. The plot, historical background, intelligence of the writing, deep knowledgeable of this moment of Scottish history. The psychology of the characters is just perfect. How to remind that in a world of harsh d’religious dispute, there still remained places for nuances and intelligence, the famous flicker of light in the deepest night.
Andrew Greig has created a female character that is never a fantasy or a bigot attempt to paste XXIst century issues or fashions, and Rose rose like a brilliant star in the sky of my favourite female characters.
As a foreigner, the use of vernacular scot us a pure bliss, a way to understand better the rhythm, depth and breadth of a language without being totally lost.
And last but nos least I could feel the places, smell the ocean and see the landscapes.
An absolute hit for me
Thank you Mr Greig and Riverrun for this perfect moment
Andrew Greig has created a female character that is never a fantasy or a bigot attempt to paste XXIst century issues or fashions, and Rose rose like a brilliant star in the sky of my favourite female characters.
As a foreigner, the use of vernacular scot us a pure bliss, a way to understand better the rhythm, depth and breadth of a language without being totally lost.
And last but nos least I could feel the places, smell the ocean and see the landscapes.
An absolute hit for me
Thank you Mr Greig and Riverrun for this perfect moment
January 21, 2022
A captivating fictional trip through the early reign of James VI and the political and religious shenanigans plaguing Scotland during the second part of Its very tumultuous 16th century.
Fiendishly plotted and blessed with a great cast of colorful and unforgettable characters, this wonderful love story is also an action-packed narrative that brilliantly weaves a vast and magnificent fictional tapestry of one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history.
Andrew Greig's prose was simply so beautiful that I had to slow down many many times in order to fully savour its beautiful flow. Just breathtaking fiction!
A delightful and rewarding reading experience from start to finish and another proof that some very talented authors are currently gifting us with marvellous historical fiction in English.
To be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever👍👍
Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for this terrific ARC
Fiendishly plotted and blessed with a great cast of colorful and unforgettable characters, this wonderful love story is also an action-packed narrative that brilliantly weaves a vast and magnificent fictional tapestry of one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history.
Andrew Greig's prose was simply so beautiful that I had to slow down many many times in order to fully savour its beautiful flow. Just breathtaking fiction!
A delightful and rewarding reading experience from start to finish and another proof that some very talented authors are currently gifting us with marvellous historical fiction in English.
To be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever👍👍
Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for this terrific ARC
August 8, 2021
An excellent historical fiction, great characters and compelling plot.
I love the storytelling and the vivid historical background.
i liked how the author mixes English with the Scottish dialect creating something very original even if a bit hard to understand at times (there's a glossary)
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I love the storytelling and the vivid historical background.
i liked how the author mixes English with the Scottish dialect creating something very original even if a bit hard to understand at times (there's a glossary)
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 24, 2023
My bar for a 5 star review is "life-changing," I wish there were a 4 and 1/2 star rating because I would surely give "Rose Nicolson" that. Andrew Greig is a gifted writer and linguist. His research on this novel was deep dive, giving the subject major respect. His writing is truly great, bordering on poetic as he chronicles what must have been the thoughts of the makar, William Fowler. I found myself reading and then rereading sentences for the sheer joy of his writing. It is evident that Mr. Greig loves language — English, the old Scottish, Italian, French, Latin...
My advice — read "Rose Nicolson" analogue-ly (yes I created a new adverb, as being an analogue lover is now more than just for watches!) The young people use this term interchangeably for Luddites. I had purchased "Rose Nicolson" on my Kindle for a trip, because I loathe getting neck and back pain while traveling with giant tomes. Rose should NOT be read on Kindle. I found myself looking up at least three words per page because of the author's use of so much old Scottish. Often you could get the gist through context, but not always. At the end (?!!!) of the Kindle edition, was a glossary of the Scottish words, every single one...There might actually be a way of flipping around pages in a Kindle, but I have yet to discover how to do so — I told you I was a Luddite!
Tragically, the warring and turmoil of ugly religious disputes still is relevant today. I agreed with Mr. Fowler in the book when he made this observation — "And some, some truly believed, and these fanatics dismayed me more than any." William Fowler had intellect above all else, he talked the talk in order to survive in a world of zealots, but he "kenned" it to be fractious superstition — a man after my own heart.
My advice — read "Rose Nicolson" analogue-ly (yes I created a new adverb, as being an analogue lover is now more than just for watches!) The young people use this term interchangeably for Luddites. I had purchased "Rose Nicolson" on my Kindle for a trip, because I loathe getting neck and back pain while traveling with giant tomes. Rose should NOT be read on Kindle. I found myself looking up at least three words per page because of the author's use of so much old Scottish. Often you could get the gist through context, but not always. At the end (?!!!) of the Kindle edition, was a glossary of the Scottish words, every single one...There might actually be a way of flipping around pages in a Kindle, but I have yet to discover how to do so — I told you I was a Luddite!
Tragically, the warring and turmoil of ugly religious disputes still is relevant today. I agreed with Mr. Fowler in the book when he made this observation — "And some, some truly believed, and these fanatics dismayed me more than any." William Fowler had intellect above all else, he talked the talk in order to survive in a world of zealots, but he "kenned" it to be fractious superstition — a man after my own heart.
October 2, 2023
Rose Nicolson is a hugely entertaining retelling of a tumultuous period in Scottish history. It’s a story told with humour and just enough dialect to make it feel realistic, but not so much that you can’t get the sense. There is a glossary at the back just in case!
The book is set in the wake of John Knox and the Scottish Reformation, which is a period of Scottish history that I don’t know much about. Mary Stuart has fled to England, and her young son, James (Sixth and First) is under the control of regents. This is an age of religion, politics, free thinkers and treachery.
The central character, William Fowler, starts off young and full of curiosity. In his new world he is heading off to St Andrews University, where he meets fellow student Tom Nicolson, and his sister Rose. This is not a new enough world that it can tolerate a clever woman, far less one who is of humble origins and outspoken beliefs. Will adores her, Tom worries about her, society does not understand her.
There are some fabulous characters here, and they are affectionately described: Walter Scott reiving his way through the Borders with panache and violence; Esmé Stewart peacocking through Edinburgh in green and gold; the thuggish Hamilton brothers – almost too bad to be believable, if they were not actual historical figures; the magnificent Lady Margaret Douglas. A special mention must go to George Buchanan trying to write the history of Scotland as it changes around him!
I think I have worked out that I particularly enjoy novels written by poets. Perhaps it’s the use of language that gets me, or maybe just the rhythm to the way the words are placed on the page. I have read other books by Andrew Greig, but this is by far my favourite.
The book is set in the wake of John Knox and the Scottish Reformation, which is a period of Scottish history that I don’t know much about. Mary Stuart has fled to England, and her young son, James (Sixth and First) is under the control of regents. This is an age of religion, politics, free thinkers and treachery.
The central character, William Fowler, starts off young and full of curiosity. In his new world he is heading off to St Andrews University, where he meets fellow student Tom Nicolson, and his sister Rose. This is not a new enough world that it can tolerate a clever woman, far less one who is of humble origins and outspoken beliefs. Will adores her, Tom worries about her, society does not understand her.
There are some fabulous characters here, and they are affectionately described: Walter Scott reiving his way through the Borders with panache and violence; Esmé Stewart peacocking through Edinburgh in green and gold; the thuggish Hamilton brothers – almost too bad to be believable, if they were not actual historical figures; the magnificent Lady Margaret Douglas. A special mention must go to George Buchanan trying to write the history of Scotland as it changes around him!
I think I have worked out that I particularly enjoy novels written by poets. Perhaps it’s the use of language that gets me, or maybe just the rhythm to the way the words are placed on the page. I have read other books by Andrew Greig, but this is by far my favourite.
June 27, 2022
Schottland 1574. Es sind spannende Zeiten: Maria Stuart ist aus Schottland geflüchtet und ihr Sohn wird in Stirling Castle festgehalten. John Knox ist tot und es tobt ein Krieg um den wahren Glauben. Vor diesem Hintergrund beginnt William Fowler sein Studium in St. Andrews und verliebt sich in eine junge Frau, die aus einer anderen Welt als der seinen kommt.
Meine Meinung
Ich musste bei der Lektüre mehrmals den geschichtlichen Hintergrund und Charaktere nachschlagen, denn Andrew Greig hat sich für seinen neuen Roman an weniger bekannte Dinge gehalten. Er hat das Leben aus der Sicht eines ganz normalen Mannes geschildert, der versucht hat, seinen Weg zu machen. Und auch wenn William Fowler ein durchaus realer Charakter ist, ist seine Geschichte doch reine Fiktion.
William steht nach dem Tod seines Vaters unter Druck, denn auch wenn er die Möglichkeit zum Studium hat, muss er auch seine Mutter bei den Geschäften unterstützen. Auch wenn er glaubt, dass er erwachsen genug ist, um in der rauen Welt zu überleben, ist er dennoch auch sehr unbedarft und kommt mehr als einmal in Schwierigkeiten.
Auch die Liebe zu Rose, der Schwester eines Kommilitonen, ist so eine Schwierigkeit. Nicht nur, dass die Tochter eines Fischers aus ganz anderen Kreisen kommt, sie ist auch zu intelligent für ihre Zeit und wird deshalb misstrauisch beobachtet. Die Gefahr eines Hexenprozesses schwebt immer über ihr.
Andrew Greig erzählt die Geschichte aus der Sicht von William und das hat mir einige Probleme bereitet. Denn er war der einzige Charakter, mit dem ich nicht warm geworden bin. Wäre es die Autobiografie von Rose gewesen, wäre das Buch für mich perfekt gewesen.
Meine Meinung
Ich musste bei der Lektüre mehrmals den geschichtlichen Hintergrund und Charaktere nachschlagen, denn Andrew Greig hat sich für seinen neuen Roman an weniger bekannte Dinge gehalten. Er hat das Leben aus der Sicht eines ganz normalen Mannes geschildert, der versucht hat, seinen Weg zu machen. Und auch wenn William Fowler ein durchaus realer Charakter ist, ist seine Geschichte doch reine Fiktion.
William steht nach dem Tod seines Vaters unter Druck, denn auch wenn er die Möglichkeit zum Studium hat, muss er auch seine Mutter bei den Geschäften unterstützen. Auch wenn er glaubt, dass er erwachsen genug ist, um in der rauen Welt zu überleben, ist er dennoch auch sehr unbedarft und kommt mehr als einmal in Schwierigkeiten.
Auch die Liebe zu Rose, der Schwester eines Kommilitonen, ist so eine Schwierigkeit. Nicht nur, dass die Tochter eines Fischers aus ganz anderen Kreisen kommt, sie ist auch zu intelligent für ihre Zeit und wird deshalb misstrauisch beobachtet. Die Gefahr eines Hexenprozesses schwebt immer über ihr.
Andrew Greig erzählt die Geschichte aus der Sicht von William und das hat mir einige Probleme bereitet. Denn er war der einzige Charakter, mit dem ich nicht warm geworden bin. Wäre es die Autobiografie von Rose gewesen, wäre das Buch für mich perfekt gewesen.
July 7, 2023
Read this for the LWS Historical Fiction Book Club and I really liked it! It came through an inter-library loan from a small college in Pennsylvania, without a book jacket. I didn't read any description before diving in which made it all the more intriguing. The first line begins, "We had become accustomed to the farting thud of small cannon..." and Greig had me! The pace was a bit uneven, and I thought the later life of the main character (William Fowler, an actual historical figure) was going to be dealt with more but I enjoyed the writing; very you-are-there, using sensory details as well as just enough description to drop you into the place. It takes place in Scotland, during the regency of James I/VI, which is the latter part of the Elizabethan period in England. I've read quite a bit from that side of the Border but not from the Scots' perspective and learned a lot. There was a glossary of Scottish terms in the back, which I copied for future use! Interestingly, another book group member tried to listen to it on Audible first and found it impenetrable; she then switched to Kindle and got along better, even though she didn't know about the glossary until the end. A really interesting book that I would never have heard of without this group!
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