Strath

by Bess Ross

This novel spans a year in the lives of the people of a small 17th-century village, Strath. The villagers strive to maintain their community in the face of relentless hardship, clan-fighting, disease and the marauding army of Montrose. Bess Ross is the author of A Bit of Crack and Car Culture.

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Bess Ross (b. 1945) is a Scottish writer. One of nine children, she was brought up on the coast of the Moray Firth. Forced by economic circumstances to leave school and earn money as a domestic worker, she returned to Ross-shire and got married.

Reviews

[Liz Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work of fiction is about the miserable existence of the people of Strath in the 17th century. Grinding poverty, war, famine and death. I think this book reflects the reality of life in the north of Scotland at that time. The church certainly comes out very badly.
I found this book gripping with well drawn characters and descriptions of hardships suffered.