A Fair Isle Nurse

by Mona McAlpine

Memoirs of the only medical professional and fair isle in the mid-1960s.
Often surrounded by sea mist or racked by relentless gales, the island of Fair Isle runs to its own rhythms. In the mid 1960s, a young nurse arrived to begin working here, one of the most remote inhabited islands in Britain. She would be the sole provider of medical care for the local population. Her coming of age was dependent on the acceptance, support, and kindness of the Fair Isle people. Would she succeed?

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Rory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little book! Love the culture and made me think of home.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet memoir set in a charming part of Scotland in the 1960's. Very enjoyable read.

[Kay Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, only took a couple of days as it’s pretty short. I longer, more detailed book would have been just as interesting. It’s fascinating to recall how we all used to communicate before the days of mobile phones or indeed any phones in people’s homes.
The ‘feel’ of Fair Isle in the 60s came across really well, the community spirit, the reliance on each other for help and support etc
All in all a great book remembering island life in the 1960s

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, charming little memoir of a young nurse’s year spent caring for the people of Fair Isle in the early 1960s. The depictions of the islanders, their traditions, their joys, and woes came to life. Definitely a fascinating and cozy read! This is a book I will pick up again and again.

[Georgia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sound the title to be mis-leading...no deliveries ever occurred on the Island. I found the story too simplistic for adult reading. The actual nursing events were few as well as relationships. Perhaps an introduction to another life for high schoolers?

[Caterina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads a bit like The Little House On The Prairie, except it's set in Shetland and peppered with charming native words (thank you, Mona McAlpine, for explaining in the first couple of pages, what "peerie" means!). Not unforgettable or literary in any way, but still a nice read.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short account covering only one year, as an ex nurse/midwife I would have enjoyed more medical insights but this is a sweet genuine story and gives a perfect example of island life in the 60’s and the dialect.

[Jane Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about island life in Fair Isle. Life seemed very harsh but community spirit was very important. It took a while to "tune in" to the speech in the book but soon it was easy to read and understand.

[Rebekah Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy book to read. Written very kindly and lovingly of the place and people. Left me nostalgic for a place I’ve never been to.

[Lois Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true life adventure!

[Adna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice way to prologue a holiday to Shetland! Next time we’ll go over da roost and visit Fair Isle

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven‘t been to Fair Isle yet, but I’ve been to Shetland and to Faula. It was a great peek into island life and such a quick read.
Definitely would recommend!

[fiona jane mcgilvray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dear little book, I loved it

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short little read of a nurses life for a year in one of the most remote places in Scotland