Fir for Luck

Fir for Luck, by Barbara Henderson, is a tale of the Highland Clearances, based on the true story of the township of Ceannabeinne in Sutherland.The Highland Clearances were a dark time in the history of Scotland, when the landowners acted with high-handed callousness in evicting tenants who had worked the land – some of them for generations – in favour of sheep farming. It’s a subject that tends to get me really quite angry – although not a Highlander myself by birth, most of my childhood was spent living in the Highlands and Islands, so it’s a subject close to my heart.Which means that my yardstick for measuring the effectiveness of a book based on the Clearances is whether it makes me angry or not.By that token, Fir for Luck is an excellent book!12-year-old Janet lives with her family in Ceannabeinne. One day in 1841, while all the men-folk are away cutting thatch, she sees a Sheriff Officer approaching the village – and that can mean only one thing: a writ of eviction.During the Clearances, whole townships were sometimes evicted with a little as a day or two’s notice – and once you accepted the writ, touched the paper, even, that was it – there was nothing you could do.But if the Sheriff Officer doesn’t manage to hand over the writ, the eviction notice just hasn’t been served. So Janet makes a split-second decision to take the fate of her village into her own hands, and do something about it.So begins the conflict between the villagers and the manager of the estates. It’s a war with several battles, and Janet is at the forefront of each of them. It’s a war they can’t win, of course – while justice is on their side, the law is another matter entirely.The whole village knows what’s at stake. Janet’s own grandmother went through a brutal eviction in 1814, an eviction that led her to settle in Ceannabeinne, and Henderson weaves interludes from Granna’s story throughout the book. This is an important point – the Clearances went on over generations, and families driven from one home were sometimes driven from another just a few years later. It’s an injustice that should never be forgotten.Sorry. Got a bit angry again.Fir for Luck does more than just tell the true story of Ceannabeinne, though. It provides a rich portrait of Highland life in the mid-19th century, evocative and convincing, and populated by highly believable Highland characters. It’s also a gripping read, and Janet’s bravery really keeps your attention. Each little victory is a triumph, and each new setback is a disaster; the tension rarely lets up.This is an excellent debut, atmospheric and thrilling. Highly recommended – even if it does make me angry.

I bought this for my niece, but also bought a copy for myself! It is brilliant to see such an important part of the history of the Scottish Highlands written in such an engaging story that's very accessible to a young (and not so young) 21st century reader. I very much liked the sensitive way in which the violence of that period is approached, and also the way in which the lyricism of the original Gaelic language is reflected. It gives a strong voice to the women and children who were affected by the Clearances. Henderson interprets real events to create characters that stay with you, and a compelling narrative that completely draws you into their world - it makes history real. I would definitely recommend to teachers and kids alike.

A thrilling and exhilarating read, not to mention hugely important in terms of social history. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, Barbara Henderson has created characters that stay with you. Janet, the main protagonist is charismatic, feisty and courageous. Her tale of bravery in the face of the brutal Highland Clearances is fascinating and compelling. It's a fast-paced, race against time for Janet and her community to attempt to save their village. With its multi-layered themes, this would be an excellent teaching tool for any classroom exploring the Highland Clearances but for anyone looking for storytelling with depth, poetry and heart, Fir For Luck is a must-read and a new classic in Scottish literature.

Fiction woven from fact, Fir for luck is a dramatic, poignant and powerful book. I couldn't put it down.Rich in tradition with its beguiling highland setting, the story of these villagers will stay with you as an example of strength, dignity and hope in the face of impossible odds. And if it doesn't bring a tear to the eye, then the author's note at the end surely will.Such a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from history, it has left my thoughts buzzing. There is clarity here that inspires thought and discussion on many levels, current as well as historical. I have no doubt it will resonate with teachers and book clubs alike.

Super book, it draws the reader in right from the start.... you won't want to put it down! Through the tantalising descriptive writing, it really stirs the imagination to think what it really must have been like... this cloud hanging over you, the thought of being thrown out of your own home to make way for sheep! You won't be disappointed... whatever your age, a great read.

With Fir For Luck, Barbara Henderson pulls off the difficult task of transporting the reader to a place they probably don't know, a time they are not from, and historical events they may know nothing or little about.The action is thrilling; the tension is gripping; the characters drew me in.I read this in one sitting...or rather standing, as I made supper. I literally, didn't want to put it down.This should be required reading for school kids through the country.

Barbara takes a true story of people being thrown out of their homes at the whim, and for the profit of, a rich landowner and dramatises it in this great book. A great way to learn about the Highland Clearances and their multi-generational impact and the struggle of those involved. In these turbulent times, the power of the rich to do what they like is also poignant and relevant and this story shows that even though we may not always win everything we want in our fight for what is right, we can get some concessions and keep some of the worst from happening.

The characters and plot flow enticing along. Such a delight to find a new author who can transport the reader with delight that I can't help but hope these characters may return in a tale of adventure with a Canadian connection...