O Caledonia

I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this novel. What convinced me to read it was the stunning cover and the glowing endorsement from Maggie O'Farrell. But as soon as I read the first page, I knew I was going to enjoy the ride. This novel is reminiscent of Shirley Jackson, but has a vibe all its own and I couldn't put it down. I became so absorbed into the story that I forgot I was reading. That's the sign of a good author. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys… show more.

O Caledonia is a dark, unhappy, witty Scottish novel that delights and teases the reader. Populated by a family of unlovable malcontents whose motto is “Dying but Unconquered,” it is a murder mystery, although the murder—and its rebellious and disrespectful 16-year-old victim, Janet—doesn’t gain much attention in the grand scheme of things. Instead, the novel focuses on the people around poor dead Janet, who are self-absorbed and short-sighted. They regularly inflict casual cruelties on each other and themselves, often with results that are both sad and humorous. By the end of the novel, I was pretty sure I was related… show more.