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A Dark And Distant Shore
'An ancient brooding castle... a dispossessed child... a lifelong passion for one errant man... wars, crises and feuds... ' WashINGTON POST.
Reay Tannahill's great bestseller is the story of an extraordinary woman's determination to win back her birthright – the remote and beautiful West Highland castle of Kinveil – sold by her father to a Glasgow merchant when she was seven years old. It is also the intricate picture of a family in the heyday of the British Empire, an epic story spanning almost a hundred years and stretching from Edinburgh to the Crimea, from an expanding America to the India of the Raj.
Reay Tannahill's great bestseller is the story of an extraordinary woman's determination to win back her birthright – the remote and beautiful West Highland castle of Kinveil – sold by her father to a Glasgow merchant when she was seven years old. It is also the intricate picture of a family in the heyday of the British Empire, an epic story spanning almost a hundred years and stretching from Edinburgh to the Crimea, from an expanding America to the India of the Raj.
994 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1983
11 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Reay Tannahill
27 books63 followersReay Tannahill was born on December 9, 1929 in Glasgow, Scotland, where she brought up. Her forename was the maiden name of her mother, Olive Reay. She was educated at Shawlands Academy, and obtained an MA in History and a postgraduate certificate in Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow. In 1958, she married Michael Edwardes but the marriage ended in divorce in 1983, he died in 1990. Until her death on November 2, 2007, she lived in a smart terrace house in London near Tate Britain.
Before started to write, she worked as a probation officer, advertising copywriter, newspaper reporter, historical researcher and graphic designer. She published her first non-fiction book in 1964. The international success came with the novel Food in History, her publisher suggested a companion volume on the second great human imperative, Sex in History. For her 2002 revised edition of 'Food in History, she won the Premio Letterario Internazionale Chianti Ruffino Antico Fattore. She also wrote historical romance novels, and in 1990, her novel Passing Glory won in 1990 the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She belonged to the Arts Club and the Authors' Club, and was chairman of the latter from 1997 to 2000.
Before started to write, she worked as a probation officer, advertising copywriter, newspaper reporter, historical researcher and graphic designer. She published her first non-fiction book in 1964. The international success came with the novel Food in History, her publisher suggested a companion volume on the second great human imperative, Sex in History. For her 2002 revised edition of 'Food in History, she won the Premio Letterario Internazionale Chianti Ruffino Antico Fattore. She also wrote historical romance novels, and in 1990, her novel Passing Glory won in 1990 the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She belonged to the Arts Club and the Authors' Club, and was chairman of the latter from 1997 to 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 18, 2023
This is a powerful historical family saga that covers around 100 years of huge changes ( from 1803 onwards) not only in terms of the family it follows, but also the important industrial and political advancements that took place when The British Empire was at its height. It also covers horrors such as The Crimean War ( amongst others) in vivid chilling detail. Many important historical events are woven into the story in such rich detail that you get a great sense of how it felt to actually BE there.
The prime setting for this saga is the castle of Kinveil set deep in the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, a remote and beautiful, yet at the same time, bleak and moody location. It follows Vilia, whose father sold Kinveil to a Glasgow merchant (a move that devastated the 7 year old Vilia). Her determination to win back her birthright borders on obsession, but makes for a fascinating read. As the family increases in number, we find many of them travelling to far flung corners of the world, but it seems that all roads lead back to Kinveil in the end. An interesting tale, and one that required an enormous amount of research. At over 800 pages, this isn't a fast read, but it's well worth staying with it. An absorbing read.
The prime setting for this saga is the castle of Kinveil set deep in the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, a remote and beautiful, yet at the same time, bleak and moody location. It follows Vilia, whose father sold Kinveil to a Glasgow merchant (a move that devastated the 7 year old Vilia). Her determination to win back her birthright borders on obsession, but makes for a fascinating read. As the family increases in number, we find many of them travelling to far flung corners of the world, but it seems that all roads lead back to Kinveil in the end. An interesting tale, and one that required an enormous amount of research. At over 800 pages, this isn't a fast read, but it's well worth staying with it. An absorbing read.
March 20, 2013
If I could rate this book negative stars I would. This book cost me hours and hours of my life that I will never get back.
The author loved the sound of her own voice, she could ramble on and on for PAGES about the stupidest things, yet after reading this book I have come to the conclusion that she hates people and enjoys their suffering. She made sure throughout the entire book that everyone was unhappy. When they had the chance to maybe be a little bit happy, they would either get into a fight that caused irreparable damage, or she killed them off.
I made the mistake of buying this book. Whenever I finish with a book that I won't read again I either give it away or bring it to a second hand store. This book, I threw in the garbage, which is what this book deserves.
The author loved the sound of her own voice, she could ramble on and on for PAGES about the stupidest things, yet after reading this book I have come to the conclusion that she hates people and enjoys their suffering. She made sure throughout the entire book that everyone was unhappy. When they had the chance to maybe be a little bit happy, they would either get into a fight that caused irreparable damage, or she killed them off.
I made the mistake of buying this book. Whenever I finish with a book that I won't read again I either give it away or bring it to a second hand store. This book, I threw in the garbage, which is what this book deserves.
April 23, 2019
A Dark and Distant Shore does suffer from some writing faults, it might be slightly overwritten at times, and its structure might be a bit clumsy, yet on overall I quite liked it and consider it a success. It is a very long novel that spans generations, so it might not be for everyone. When it comes to this novel, I can actually understand all kind of reactions to it (those who loved it, hated it or were indifferent to it). When I think of enjoyable historical fiction, this novel often comes to my mind. It does have a nice setting and a pretty consistent atmosphere. Unlike some historical fiction, you can actually believe its characters lived in a different time because their thoughts and actions are consistent with the customs of the time. Moreover, many episodes from this novel stayed with me. Not all, some events did fade away, but this book definitely has many memorable and well written moments.
The story starts off with a strong female protagonist, follows her through her early years and then watches her falls into background as new characters emerge. I can see why some people were not a fan of the way this protagonist develops, but I think it actually makes sense, considering her strong willed character. Not every woman is a mothering type, nor she needs to be. I actually found it refreshing that she was in so many ways different from a typical heroine. Yes, I found the female lead quite interesting but didn't mind too much the way she faded into background. However, it might not be to everyone's taste.
The heroine's connection with Highland castle fascinated me, it was almost like a love affair, so filled with passion. There seems to be something very authentic about it, and I don't think people are as connected to a piece of land as they once were, back when everyone owning a castle was a noble person. For our protagonist, the castle is not a material possession but rather almost a spiritual one, a place of origin, her heritage, her birth right, her link to her people. I'm not very familiar with historical Scottish matriarchs, but I watched some interesting historical documentaries. Some of them lead their clans with iron fists it seems. There are some strongly unique traditions and feelings here, perhaps dating back to Celtic times. All of it I found quite memorable and thought- provoking.
There are a lot of characters in this novel, new ones keep getting introduced constantly. The novel covers a relatively long and very turbulent time period of British Empire. Many tragedies and hardships befall the characters in this novel, and Tannahill often goes into great detail. The author is obviously interested in history and she tries to revive it in her writing. In general, I think Tannahill does a good job of evoking the spirit of past times. Speaking of the protagonist I liked how the characters are portrayed, they are often portrayed as neither good nor bad, just regular people with their weaknesses. Tannahill doesn't idolize her characters, even her protagonist/heroine is shown as a cold (or perhaps better said a poor excuse for a) mother.
If you're looking for typical romance, this is definitely not it. I think I heard this author connected with the romance genre, but A Dark and Distant Shore does not seem like a romance novel. It is a historical family epic, with themes like dysfunctional family, incest and peculiar sexual preferences being introduced every step of the way. I see it more as belonging to historical fiction than anything else. As for its structure, that might be the novel's weakness. It is not best organized for such a long novel. Some parts of it could have been better written. Nevertheless, on overall I quite enjoyed it. I would recommend it to people with interest in Scotland or UK.
The story starts off with a strong female protagonist, follows her through her early years and then watches her falls into background as new characters emerge. I can see why some people were not a fan of the way this protagonist develops, but I think it actually makes sense, considering her strong willed character. Not every woman is a mothering type, nor she needs to be. I actually found it refreshing that she was in so many ways different from a typical heroine. Yes, I found the female lead quite interesting but didn't mind too much the way she faded into background. However, it might not be to everyone's taste.
The heroine's connection with Highland castle fascinated me, it was almost like a love affair, so filled with passion. There seems to be something very authentic about it, and I don't think people are as connected to a piece of land as they once were, back when everyone owning a castle was a noble person. For our protagonist, the castle is not a material possession but rather almost a spiritual one, a place of origin, her heritage, her birth right, her link to her people. I'm not very familiar with historical Scottish matriarchs, but I watched some interesting historical documentaries. Some of them lead their clans with iron fists it seems. There are some strongly unique traditions and feelings here, perhaps dating back to Celtic times. All of it I found quite memorable and thought- provoking.
There are a lot of characters in this novel, new ones keep getting introduced constantly. The novel covers a relatively long and very turbulent time period of British Empire. Many tragedies and hardships befall the characters in this novel, and Tannahill often goes into great detail. The author is obviously interested in history and she tries to revive it in her writing. In general, I think Tannahill does a good job of evoking the spirit of past times. Speaking of the protagonist I liked how the characters are portrayed, they are often portrayed as neither good nor bad, just regular people with their weaknesses. Tannahill doesn't idolize her characters, even her protagonist/heroine is shown as a cold (or perhaps better said a poor excuse for a) mother.
If you're looking for typical romance, this is definitely not it. I think I heard this author connected with the romance genre, but A Dark and Distant Shore does not seem like a romance novel. It is a historical family epic, with themes like dysfunctional family, incest and peculiar sexual preferences being introduced every step of the way. I see it more as belonging to historical fiction than anything else. As for its structure, that might be the novel's weakness. It is not best organized for such a long novel. Some parts of it could have been better written. Nevertheless, on overall I quite enjoyed it. I would recommend it to people with interest in Scotland or UK.
August 16, 2017
I finished this 837-page book out of sheer stubbornness. It took me about 100 pages to get into it, and then I slogged through the last 200 or so just because I was determined to finish. It had such potential! A remote Scottish castle, a steely heroine determined to own it at any cost, a thwarted love story--these elements and more had the makings of a dramatic tale. But the storytelling was curiously flat and detached, like Vilia Cameron herself. I did like the midsection of the book, which centered on Vilia's young adult life. But by the time the story focused on the second and third generations, I often got lost (who is this again?) and didn't much care. And the ending? To quote Vilia's son Theo, "Really, Vilia."
May 30, 2020
This book has unfortunately been thoroughly disappointing. The tale follows the story of a very unlikeable and self absorbed character, Villia, who is both miserable and a catalyst for ruining the lives of those around her. The amount of characters who get killed off is really quite remarkable, with no satisfactory and enduring love stories or positive outcomes for any character. I will say that the book is written well, but be prepared for a plethora of hideously emotional suffering and trials for characters you eventually bond to, only to have them be killed off or alternatively end up in an unhappy marriage or alone in unfortunate circumstances. If you would like to finish a book feeling enriched and contented, rather than depressed and overwhelmed at the pointless bleakness of life, my advice would be to opt for “The World, The Flesh and the Devil”.
May 17, 2015
DNF at around page 300, when the heroine's true love, who we already know, from the family tree which is inexplicably printed at the start of the book, will NOT wind up with her at all, shows up in the plot for a third round of miscommunications spoiling their opportunity to be together.
I'm sorry, but books with an old fashioned sense of romance, where certain people are meant to be together, which instead contort their plots to foul the HEA to promote drama and tragedy instead...well, there is no point. I have no interest in tragedy, much less the manufactured kind.
I'm sorry, but books with an old fashioned sense of romance, where certain people are meant to be together, which instead contort their plots to foul the HEA to promote drama and tragedy instead...well, there is no point. I have no interest in tragedy, much less the manufactured kind.
July 25, 2012
Looking for escapism with a wee bit of Scottish history thrown in for good measure? You've found it - enjoy
April 1, 2016
As my holiday in Scotland comes to an end, I finish this epic near enough 1000 page long book. A Highland family saga to end all sagas and I have enjoyed it very much.
January 23, 2019
An oldie from 1983, this was very well-written historical fiction. My only criticism is that it was overlong. A cast of thousands and extremely small typeface really didn't help. Buy it on Kindle if you can afford it!
dnf
August 4, 2017DNF at 22% Conclusion this is just not my genre. I gave it to my mother to read on vacation, and she loved it. I think it might be a great book, just not for me.
June 4, 2013
A family saga with a very convoluted and twisted plot. Follows one woman from childhood in the highlands to her passing at old age back in the highlands. Successful in business but far from successful in her personal life. As for her sons and other family members, the author covers the full spectrum of possible characters with to my mind, little happiness for any of them. To my mind a very morbid and unsettling story from incest to weird sexual proclivities. Not your ordinary run of the mill family epic at all.
August 2, 2016
Epic, colourful, good prose. But half way through, everything became flat, the characters included, with important people being killed off suddenly in a single sentence. Maybe the author should have expanded the story into two, or even three, volumes, so she could explore all the branches of the family tree (which I deliberately avoided looking at, so as not to spoil the plot). By the end I had no love or sympathy for the heroine. Indeed, she had just become background at that point, having lost all feeling herself.
April 16, 2020
This is indeed similar to Gone with the Wind. Because—frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn about any of the characters' plight as they are the ones who made the stupid choices.
Then again, I did find this enjoyable. I'm familiar with neither Scotland nor the period the book is set in. Reading this book had me feeling as if I were experiencing that time period for myself.
Then again, I did find this enjoyable. I'm familiar with neither Scotland nor the period the book is set in. Reading this book had me feeling as if I were experiencing that time period for myself.
April 26, 2009
I've read this book a couple of times now and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good epic historical novel. It is the story of a castle and one women's obsession with it. There is love, betrayal, loyalty, violence, humour and everything else you could want in a novel.
September 21, 2014
One of my favourite types of books - sweeping, epic, family saga, set in beautiful surroundings. What's not to like? This was the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely seek out her other titles too.
September 19, 2013
A family saga.
A strong woman.
History.
Scotland.
It just checked all my boxes!
A strong woman.
History.
Scotland.
It just checked all my boxes!
January 14, 2018
Good thing we have such a wealth of reading material. This book became tedious reading so I'm on to the next one.
August 24, 2018
Most twist and turns in a book. Not a feel good book, but well writen!
April 28, 2020
I love a good family saga! I love seeing how a family grows and the hardships and successes they endure in their lifetime. A few things bothered me, though. There was a part that stated that one character died in childbirth, but if you look at the enclosed family tree, it shows the mother dying 2 years after the baby died. Also, there are many scenes that really have no bearing in the story, and they are long scenes, yet they breeze over or don't even mention some major life events. At the end, a lot of things are rushed, but overall, I loved the story. Many of the characters go through so much, it is astounding how strong people could be in the face of adversity. It shows that with one simple choice in life, a lot can happen.
June 27, 2017
What a tome! Yes, it took me ages to read but it was good. I do think that maybe it was a tad overlong, but then all the small incidental things make sense at the end.
Tannahill's writing is reminiscent of Daphne Du Maurier with a touch of Roger Longrigg writing as Laura Black (for me anyway). Lots of intrigue, familial conflict, nefarious deeds which turn out to be not so nefarious... or do they?
Anyway, I will be keeping an eye out for more of Tannahill's books but right now I need something a bit lighter after all the heaviness and complexity.
Tannahill's writing is reminiscent of Daphne Du Maurier with a touch of Roger Longrigg writing as Laura Black (for me anyway). Lots of intrigue, familial conflict, nefarious deeds which turn out to be not so nefarious... or do they?
Anyway, I will be keeping an eye out for more of Tannahill's books but right now I need something a bit lighter after all the heaviness and complexity.
April 11, 2022
This is a huge book and was so compelling and good until about the last quarter of it. Then, it totally fizzled and basically - ran out of story and turned into a recital of facts and goings-on about the many, many children and their children and their children - all people having had no character development and, hence, I couldn't keep track of who was who and didn't care about any of them.
Further, there are pages and pages describing events and situations that matter little - way over written.
I did enjoy the story but this book, as others have said, is way too long.
Further, there are pages and pages describing events and situations that matter little - way over written.
I did enjoy the story but this book, as others have said, is way too long.
September 1, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really, really, liked how it was written, but it was very long, it took me 4 good months to finish it, and I'm not a slow reader. Like with some dates, it was between fine and “meh”. I think some parts interested me more than others. I didn't care much about Vilia and her storyline (which didn't help), however I really enjoyed the stories of Gideon and Juliana, I think it would have made an interesting book ! So some good parts and some “meh" parts.
August 29, 2023
This is a long book telling the story of a family through the decades. Lots of people to keep up with. Thank goodness for the family tree at the beginning of the book as I had to refer to it several times to reacquaint myself with that person and family. I loved the story it had a nice wrapped up ending one of the first books like this I was not sorry there is no more.
February 7, 2022
Boy this was an epic book. I was definitely the Thorn Birds of Scotland. The last 200 pages were the best part of the book. It brought in a bit of mystery and thriller vibes. I am glad I read this, but won't re-read, mainly due to the time it took to finish it!
April 5, 2021
The setting is what drew me to this novel. I found that I couldn’t “click” with the protagonist and had a lot of trouble keeping up with the family tree,
November 2, 2023
I cannot decide what was more masterful in this book : the landscapes of Highlands or those of human souls. A work of genius ✨
December 24, 2024
Not even reverting to reading this in my Kindle could get me through this book. DNF at page 201.
October 6, 2025
Good but not that great. Too much obsession, too little happiness.
September 30, 2022
What a wonderful read! I highly recommend this to any body.
July 6, 2022
Thank heaven I'm finally free of this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews