The island is still famous for its Celtic music, and twelve-year-old Bonnie MacDonald is part of the famous Clan Donnie band. When Bonnie disappears from a family party, the entire clan is determined to find her, but Monte Collins' daughter Normie has insights that the adults do not--partly because of her place among the younger generation and partly because Normie has a gift inherited from her grandmother.
I read one other Monte Collins novel in 2009 (Cecilian Vespers) and found it interesting for entirely different reasons. Monte Collins was the main character, the setting was Halifax, and the complications were all involved with Vatican II. Lament for Bonnie is set in beautiful Cape Breton, Normie is an intriguing young protagonist, and the emphasis is on the highland music.
Read in May; blog rev. scheduled for Aug. 26, 2016.
Mystery. Sept. 13, 2016. Print length: 300 pages.
Sounds interesting. Being a Cajun, as you know, my family tree connects to that part of the world, too, and I enjoy reading modern day fiction set there and wondering how different my life would have been if they had managed to stay up there instead of being exiled to Baltimore and southwest Louisiana.
ReplyDeleteQuite different, Sam! The Carolinas and the Appalachians also received many Scots from the clearances. I'm originally a McDowell and our family came through the Carolinas in the second Highland Clearances. It's interesting to see the same Scottish influences combined with the French of the Acadians!
DeleteThis sounds interesting, especially the setting and that the emphasis on highland music. I don't think I've read anything like this. Thanks for bringing this book to our attention, Jenclair.
ReplyDeleteThis is an area I would love to visit--Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton. Maybe someday :)
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