Book Review – The Wicker Man Preservation Society by David F. Porteous
First published, 2021
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Seventy years ago, no one would have recognised local charm as a valuable commodity; they’d have mislabelled it as grim poverty and polio.”
Chapter One, The Wicker Man Preservation Society by David F. Porteous
And once again, I wish there were more than five stars because this book is incredible. Set in the Western Isles, the story follows Eleanor, a very-nearly sixteen year old girl who has never known anything beyond the small hotel and tearoom she helps her mother to run. But since her early childhood, Eleanor has known she is the acolyte, entrusted with a sacred duty to select the next sacrifice and to watch him burn. Also, if she could take his name and have his baby, that would be perfect.
“The island of Ensay is home to four-hundred-and-seven people, and I know all of them. I know their faces and their names. I know them by the way they speak. I even know how they like their tea.
“My mum says that the island is like a family. That there is no place on the mainland where everyone knows everyone else. And sometimes I wonder what it would be like to make it through a day without being asked—
“‘Eleanor, my flower, how are you?’
“‘I’m very well, thank you, Missus Macleod,’ I reply, hoping that this will be enough, knowing that it never is.
“‘And how,’ Mrs. Macleod asks, ‘is your condition?’ Her eyes are watery. Her hand touches my elbow as I lean down to put the tray on the table. The cups rattle.
“‘The same as always, Missus Macleod,’ I say — because it’s true. ‘It’s very kind of you to enquire.’
“She pats me, like you might pat an old dog, and I move the teapot, the strainer, the cups, the matching milk jug, and the sugar bowl from the tray to the table.
“‘You’re a good hand to your mother,’ says Mrs. Arbuthnot. This is high praise from a mother of five daughters who all grew up and left the island to live in foreign places — Glasgow and Birmingham, and one as far as London. Nevertheless, it is praise that could also be won by a spaniel that’s learned to fetch its own lead.”
Chapter One, The Wicker Man Preservation Society by David F. Porteous
I loved the juxtaposition of hospitality and the tourism industry set against intrigue, suspense and impending human sacrifice. I highlighted something on nearly every page. I laughed like there was something wrong with me. I was moved to tears more than once. I have found a new favourite writer, so brace yourselves for a lot of David F. Porteous in this blog. Awesome. A truly terrific read.
Petrina Binney - Author 