Monarch of the Glen

Rating:
Summary: Highland Tale
Review: For anyone familiar with the very popular BBC series Monarch of the Glen, much in this audio book will ring familiar. And, for those unfortunate not to be familiar with the series, the book will be an entree into the world of a Scottish Highland Chieftan of the 20th Century.

The tale takes place in Scotland in the early 1940's at the castle Glenbogle, the ancestral estate of the Clan MacDonald. The patriarch is a stodgy old Highlander trying to make the best of the 20th century, but with his values firmly planted 400 years earlier. There's a bit of everything in here, a love story, a battle, some history as to kilts and clans and highland lore. Quite of lot of Gaelic is spoken and by the end of the story some of it actually starts to sound familiar.

The narrator does an excellent job with the wide cast of characters ranging from Americans, to Brits and Scots. I found myself laughing out loud many times. It was a great "read" on my way to and from work.

A note of caution though for those who have seen the series: There is only a hint of similarity to the series, but don't let the name changes etc turn you off, the story in total could easily have taken place in the Glenbogle we've seen on film.

Rating:
Summary: A great "prequel" for the TV series
Review: If you're expecting to "see" Archie, Golly, Duncan, et al, they're not around...yet...in this audio version of MacKenzie's novel, which takes place between the two world wars.

Despite a bit of a slow start, the book is a hoot and will definitely get you through a long car trip, or many long commutes! David Rintoul's reading is excellent and never monotonous. You'll get a good flavour of Highland life and traditions and have more than a few laughs.