1 comments about The Adventure of Missionary Heroism.

1. Having grown up on the stories of great missionaries, I thought I'd heard of most of them until I ran across this book! It is filled with the adventures and incredible stories of many little-known missionaries who were often contemporaries of all the common household names. Excellently written with many fascinating illustrations and interesting from start to finish, it covers the lives of men and women who were involved in mission work all around the globe, including in the US! You'll be glad you read it!

1 comments about Teachings Around the Sacred Wheel: Finding the Soul of the Dreamtime.

1. From the first book I've read of Lynn V. Andrews works, starting from Woman of Wyrrd and not in order, Medicine Woman, Crystal Woman, Star Woman, Jaguar Woman, and all the others, I find that I could not put any of her books down until I got to absorb every detail and experience. She has brought me enlightenment by awakening my eyes to significant events and similar situations that equate to mine. In this book, this teaches us about our animal spirit, the south, west, east and north wheel where she had described from Star Woman that east represents the rational thinking while the west is the emotional, the south; physical and the north, the spiritual and enlightenment. There is so much to learn from each of her books and this one is no exception. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the truth within us.

4 comments about Personal Narrative of a Journey to the Equinoctial Regions of the New Continent: Abridged Edition (Penguin Classics).

1. I have to admit that just as I was starting to savour this thin slip of a book I found that it was, indeed, mere selections. The whole narrative is actually three volumes, over four hundred pages a volume. I was left with a craven empty feeling like a fiend for his needle. Humboldt's writing presages Thoreau and through him ponders the transcendent raptures of the natural world. Reading through the visit to the Caribs reminded me of my visits to the Grenadines where their presence is still redolent in the shadows under the almond trees. I felt that I had imbibed the same air as Humboldt.



2. Alexander von Humboldt (of the Current fame) was a famous polymath during the age of enlightenment. Like many noblemen, he used his money and leisure time in esoteric pursuits, such as collecting flora & fauna and trying to find the deeper meaning of it all.

   This particular volume has been well-translated from the original - there is none of that stilted 'I haf von the Cherman translated been' style - it reads conversationally (assisted by the editing-out of long passages where Humboldt takes one of his many diversions) yet it also gives us an idea of what the man was really like. There is an extensive set of notes at the back, not just references, but elaboration of the point, which I found very illuminating.

   His travels to South America span 5 years, during which time he collects and measures EVERYTHING - for at this time in history, no-one knew what was going to be pertinent or useful to science or economy. There are some amazing descriptions where he was the first educated person to see places; the problems of travel in uncharted, trackless & mountainous country make terrific reading. We may scoff at the zeal of the man, but if Hiram Bingham hadn't done the same, we wouldn't have the fantastic ruins of Macchu Picchu to study.

   We also learn of the relatively tight circle of 'scientists' at that time - almost everyone knew everyone else, either via letters, Society writings or personal contact - and they knew it all; there was as yet no division between geology, biology, zoology etc - it was just 'Natural Philosophy' and one studied the lot (of course some dedicated themselves to a favourite pursuit). What is amazing to us now is the most simple things were unknown; for example, a sailor at death's door deep in the bowels of the ship, 'miraculously' recovers when taken on deck, out of the fetid miasma of the orlop - well, who wouldn't?... There are many similar incidents.

   Slightly heavy going at times, because of the writing style of the period, it is nevertheless chock full of interesting snippets and amazing discoveries, giving a great insight into the mind and motives of a typical adventurous philosopher of the time. *****




3. Much as I'm glad to have at least some of von Humboldt's very important travel writings availible, this edition is sadly emasculated.
   
   While it does include the initial Amazonian phase of Humboldt's South American expedition, the narrative is cut short at mid-point, von Humboldt's stay in Cuba. It's inconceivable to me that the editor would have omitted all of the author's writing on his exploration of the Andes, and in particular the volcanoes of South America.
   
   Those excluded descriptions are not only fascinating to read today, but were also what most inspired readers in von Humboldt's own day. As a matter of fact, von Humboldt's account of the Andes so inspired the 19th-century imagination, that the era's greatest landscape painters, such as Frederic Church, actually travelled to South American specifically to witness and depict the vistas which von Humboldt had recorded in print. The integral von Humboldt, in contrast with the one presented here, wanted not simply to view and record exotic cultures and climates, but far beyond this to attempt as much as possible to experience the totality of the Cosmos in microcosmic form. The closest von Humboldt came to this impossible experience was his rapid ascent of the large volcanoes of South America, insofar as in this manner he could pass, virtually, through all the Earth's various climates in a single day--an astounding and Romantic feat completely unavailable to anyone using this edition as an introduction to von Humboldt.
   
   But none of the above can be glimpsed even remotely by the reader equipt with only the Penguin edition. Because of the premature truncation of the text, one entirely loses sight of von Humboldt's overarching project, which was not merely a geographical descripton of the Earth's surface, but rather a geodetical construction of the World as an organic Unity. Thus abbreviated, von Humboldt appears scarcely different from his Enlightenment precursors; we lose all view of him as writer who has passed through defiles of Romanticism. Not the real von Humboldt at all.
   
   Rather than making one rash cut down the middle, the editor would have served the reader much better by extracting key episodes from von Humboldt's entire journey. As I said above, something is generally better than nothing at all. But in this particular case, not much better.



4. I bught the book, and was expecting it eagerly.
   Once it arrived I realized I had make a mistake by not realizing it was just an exceprto from the real deal.
   
   Only a small part of the trip is described and nothing in the parts I was interested is even mentioned.
   I hope the other parts will come at any time soon.

1 comments about Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know: The Autobiography.

1. Awesome is a sadly overused word these days, but I genuinely think it is the most fitting word to describe the man that is Ranulph Fiennes.
   
   The life of Sir Ranulph Fiennes is the stuff of legends. Special Forces, mercenary, author, in consideration for the part of James Bond after Connery, arctic explorer, in fact "Worlds greatest living explorer" as judged by Guiness Book of World Records, ran 7 marathons in seven continents in seven days only half a year after bypass surgery. Not many people can, even with a bit of poetic liberty in their description, match the resume of Sir Fiennes.
   
   In this gripping, well written, fantastic book, Sir Fiennes describes some 40 years of adventures and expeditions, including a stint in the service of the sultan of Oman, blowing up 20th century fox property, circumnavigation around the globe along the Greenwich meridian, amputating four fingers on his left hand in his garden shed, each and every single one of these stories in itself worthy of a book on its own.
   
   There are many, many autobiografies on the market today. Most of them are from celebrities with less than extraordinary lives offering a bit of entertainment, but here we have a genuine, awe-inspiring, effulgent adventurer who has done it all telling his story. We learn of the physical stamina and the strength of will it takes to be an arctic explorer, of the sacrifices and bounties connected with that particular endeavor, and of the wonderful and dangerous place our earth can be.
   
   In spite of his amazing track record, he is modest and down to earth. He doesn't claim to be the 'toughest man alive', but tells his story in a casual, humouristic, and self-deprecating manner. This book is not only the story of a man beyond the normal limits of physical and mental endurance, nor is it just a jolly good read, it is inspiring in the truest sence of the word. He even gives you advice on how to get going with your own arctic expedition.
   
   One can not but feel strangely inadequate and humble, yet at the same time elated and inspired after reading this volume. It is in another sadly overused word, brilliant.
   
   Highest possible recommendation.

4 comments about Aaronsohn's Maps: The Untold Story of the Man Who Might Have Created Peace in the Middle East.

1. Aaronson's Maps" is a misleading and confusing book. It claims to be a biography of an unsung hero of the Zionist revolution in the Land of Israel - Aaron Aaronsohn. A brilliant and versatile man, he won worldwide fame as a discoverer of wild wheat. During WWI, convinced that the British victory over the Turkish army was vital for the Jewish future in Palestine, Aaronsohn organized the NILI group, a spy ring which provided the British army with important information facilitating British victory over the Turks. In 1919 Aaronson joined the Zionist delegation to the Paris Peace Conference where the case for Jewish independence in Palestine was presented to "The Big Four". He died in a plane crash on his way to Paris to present maps of the future Jewish state. His arguments, used by the Zionist delegation, convinced the world that Palestine had enough water resources to sustain large Jewish and Arabs communities. Unfortunately, "Aaronsohn's maps" fails the memory of Aaronsohn and lets down many in Israel who sincerely cooperated with Patricia Goldstone providing her with documents about Aaronsohn and the NILI group. The author, not being a professional historian, displays a cavalier attitude toward historical facts. She reshuffles them with dexterity of a gossip columnist ill-prepared to deal with complex historical situations. The heroic image of Aaronsohn is besmirched by unfounded conclusions. His dreams and ideas of the Jewish revival in the Land of Israel are corrupted by insinuations of Zionist intrigues which allegedly precipitated WWI in Europe and, later, the intervention of the USA in that war. Goldstone fails to present her main claim that Aaronsohn is "a man who might have created peace in the Middle East". Instead she is rehashing the current events in the Middle East trying to prove that the wars between Arabs and Jews are about sharing water resources, not about the attempts of Islam to eliminate the state of Israel. The reader who is interested in an intellectually honest book on Aaronsohn and his times should read "Lawrence and Aaronsohn" - a compelling account written by professional historian Ronald Florence.



2. Goldstone chronicles the life of Aaron Aaronsohn, who carved careers in science, diplomacy and espionage. Furthermore, Aaronsohn does not conform to the standard "Jewish molds" of his era. His numerous and disparate accomplishments and his unique world perspective make his biographer's task all the more challenging. Goldstone says that some of the information was denied to her as it is still classified - complicating her task.
   
   Goldstone's Aaronsohn was a refugee whose parents moved from Romania to Palestine (which was then under Ottoman rule) when he was six. While he was spiritual, he was not particularly religious. He was more liberal - and certainly more tolerant - than most of his fellow Jews. His vision of Palestine was a Jewish state in which Jews and Arabs co-existed. His Palestine would be a Jewish state with adequate civic and political spaces for other groups. Hence, citizens (Jewish or others) would strive for common secular goals. His vision of a state has striking similarities to the Ottoman model of governance.
   
   As a surveyor, agronomist, and hydrologist, he discovered a new variety of wheat, understood farming and compiled detailed maps of water sources in the Middle East. He then used his knowledge to map the boundaries of Palestine based on geographical realities and economic needs. However representatives of Britain and France, who ultimately drew political boundaries, had other considerations. His political career was less spectacular than his scientific one. His religious views fueled his nationalistic passion, and for this cause he sacrificed his life and more.
   
   One may question Goldstone's version of Aaronsohn's life, its historical importance, and its influence on Israeli-Palestinian politics today. However, Goldstone writes a compelling story and should be credited for writing about a less known (but important) figure like Aaronsohn. In the coming years more about Aaronsohn will enter the public domain as it becomes declassified. As additional historical evidence becomes available, and as other interpretations of Aaronsohn's life appear, a different Aaronsohn may emerge. As there is precious little about him outside the specialized literature, it is hoped that Goldstone's contribution will help spur additional work on Aaronshon and Middle Eastern history.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Unique look at one important man.



3. Pearls don't live in shallow waters and this author really dove deep to get the historical story to the surface. It really is a necklace of creative and powerful events... a treasure trove of adventure and political manipulation. Goldstone smartly sets the fiery events up on page two, stating that Aaaronsohn was the product of big events and big changes. And...WHAM!...the adventure begins. "If we fail", Aaronsohn states "we alone shall suffer". And that's exactly what happens...and we are now living with the results. Of course we have the war which exposes all kinds of political foolishness as well as deft triumphs by the power players of the era. I especially enjoyed the fact that Aaronsohn really got Churchills guts in an uproar. I'm sure some of the basic truths are going to really upset a few...but...so what...the truth is often hard to swallow. I guess that's what I really enjoyed the most. See for yourself. When you're finished think about what the middle east might be now if only half of Aaronsohn's work and vision became reality. Adios. Enjoy.



4. It is rare to have the pleasure of reading a serious work of scholarship which excites the imagination as well as informing the intellect. Patricia Goldstone has done an enormous amount of work in digging out the facts about a little-known figure who in the early part of the 20th century set out to map the water resources of Palestine and neighboring territories. The subtitle of her book: "The untold story of the man who might have created peace in the Middle East" makes her thesis clear: if Aaron Aaronsohn's advice had been accepted the continuing Israeli/Palestinian conflict might have been averted.
   
   In documenting Aaronsohn's life and work Ms. Goldstone has dug deep in archives, which have also revealed the story of Aaronsohn's unbelievably brave sister Sarah, who before her early tragic death after torture at the hands of the Turks, may have been the lover of another much discussed player in the Middle East, T. E. Lawrence.
   
   Without ever over-pressing her case for her new interpretation of their intertwined lives and with scrupulous attention to the surviving documents, Ms Goldstone vividly transports us into a world of spies, betrayals, and heartfelt devotion to a cause that holds our attention, while raising new questions about a much-disputed series of events in Middle East history.

No comments about The Heroic Present: LIFE AMONG THE GYPSIES.

5 comments about Nicholas and Helena Roerich, Revised Edition: The Spiritual Journey of Two Great Artists and Peacemakers.

1. The lives of Nicholas and Helena Roerich as recounted by Ruth Drayer have enlightened my being. Just as the Roerich's used their artistic genius and clear intention to discover inner peace and create a world where the kernel of spiritual peace could live in all humanity, this book demands that one look inward and ask the question, "How can I make a difference in my life?". Helena and Nicholas will touch your heart, stir your dreams and remind you of the power and perseverance of the human spirit.



2. I just finished reading "Nicholas & Helena Roerich: The Spiritual Journey of Two Great Artists and Peacemakers," and want to express my appreciation for your book. Although I knew how it would end, I was moved to tears when I read of the passing of Nicholas and Helena. I have been a student of the Roerichs for over 30 years and I greatly value the love and consciousness your book embodies. Thanks and blessings to you, Ruth.



3. The life of Nicolas and Helena Roerich has been veiled by various conflicting assessments. Some coming from guru worshiping admirers others from sceptics or jealous opponents. In her book, Ruth A Drayer's vivid text is that of an intelligent observer showing the reader a dispassionate canvas yet fully aware of the amazing quality of these two people who are still an inspiration to artists and esotericists from all over the world. I could not put the book down and would invite anyone not to miss the reading of a very special journey--an adventure of two exceptional souls.



4. I'm so glad a friend told me about this book. I love the paintings - so clear and fresh; simplicity with depth of meaning.
   
   It is gratifying that the author was able to compile such a detailed record of the Roerich's life, work and travels. I enjoyed traveling in my imagination by way of the diary entries - and to places I would NOT want to endure physically - 17,000 foot mountains, for example.
   
   The entire book stretches my imagination - that Helena received so much direction and information in non-physical ways, all the miracles of perfect timing, the pull of India and how they overcame obstacles to visit and live there.
   
   Truly it reads like a novel for which a movie script will be written - their story is so rich, their lives so full of adventures, and alas, there is also a betrayal - just like the movies. Plus, an index - a librarian's dream!
   
   I recommend this to anyone interested in world history, the search for peace, and the development of spiritual understanding.
   
   Theresa Hocking, retired Librarian, Texas



5. Nicholas and Helena Roerich have been in my life since the early 1970's when a wise old friend introduced me to their books and their remarkable lives. I have a good collection of their books and was excited to see this new history of their work. I was not disappointed. The author writes with an artists touch and makes the story come alive in words an images. The research on this book and the sources accessed make it the best book on these heroes of the planet to date. I hope that other authors will follow this path and go even deeper into the lives of these unique and special forerunners of a future humanity. A humanity that has learned to live in harmony and cherishes all the signs of beauty that fill our planet. For me this book was inspiring and left a beautiful deep impression on my heart, mind and soul.

No comments about Crossing the Continent 1527-1540: The Story of the First African-American Explorer of the American South.

3 comments about Otto Rahn and the Quest for the Grail: The Amazing Life of the Real Indiana Jones.

1. There is alot of information in this book that you can't get anywhere else. I only wish there was more. It not only gives you some insight into a man the world seems to know little or nothing about, but it gives you some insight into how the Nazis believed they could enforce world domination. It doesn't seem that Otto Rahn was sympathetic to the Nazi cause. And maybe, after reading the book, I am thinking that he did find something in the Pyranees in France. Read the book and see for yourself. You won't be able to put it down.



2. What can i say about Otto Rahn and the Quest for the Grail.
   
   This is the True story of the True Indiana Jones. An Amazing Journey through the Life of Otto Rahn who was a True Initiate of Secret Knowledge and had access to a web of Secret Societies having their origin in Fin De Siecle France. His involvement with the Nazis brought him attention and Money but his true Missions carried on regardless bringing him in contact with other Initiates like Marlene Dietrich. Mr Graddons book details these connections as no other Book has done before and one can branch off between the lines to many areas of research. This book is not a Novel to be read once but to be kept as a Reference for Nazi Occultism and Continental Esoterica of the last 2 Centuries.
   
   I saw about 3 books simultaneously intertwined and i can see new spin offs
   for further indepth research.
   
   Tbis is a MUST BUY.



3. Being very interested in the person of Otto Rahn, and more particularly his ideas and the milieu he was a part I looked forward to reading this book quite a lot. Being a part of the same extended milieu as Rahn, I was already rather well informed about a lot of the topics in the book, even so, it is usually quite interesting to read other peoples take on my circles. The book is divided into four parts, "Life", "After Life" and "Meaning"; including the last part which is a fictionalized account of what Mr. Graddon thinks may have happened to Rahn. Otto Rahn was born in the early 1900's, and allegedly died in the Tyrolean Mountains in 1939 by his own and nature's hand. Rahn is most famous for his two published books "Crusade against the Grail" and more importantly "Lucifer's Court", both recently reviewed by me here on Amazon.
   
   Rahn's famous theory was that Von Eschenbach's "Parsifal" was a thinly veiled "map" for how to obtain the Grail, being allegedly hidden in caves in Southern France, or at least having been located there for some time. Rahn searched all over Europe for this Grail, that was both some kind of stone that had fallen from Lucifer's Crown in the sky down to Earth and a metaphysical principle of supreme transcendence and love. Both Rahn's highly recommendable books detail his search and leave plenty of clues for the readers own spiritual quest.
   
   This being said, this particular biography starts out quite amusingly with a dedication to the Scholl siblings, for their "fight against tyranny". This sets the tone for the entire book, I think Graddon reaches his peak in amusing Semitical Correctness with a statement on page 325 about how "Rahn lived and worked among some of the most evil individuals who ever walked this earth [...]". I mean, does anyone actually write books like this anymore? I thought we had left this type of writing about the Third Reich back in the 80's. I completely fail to see how the actions of Himmler were any more "evil" than for example Stalin, Churchill or the extremely subversive FD Roosevelt, but oh well, to each his own. This goes on and on throughout the book, with words like "Satanic", "evil", "madness" and so on, and it is rather annoying to read. In addition to this, the author has big issues with his own language, writing "anonomous" three times, getting tons of names wrong, "Baldur von Schivach" comes to mind, and so on hundreds of times. It takes something away from his other claims when he doesn't ever bother to check the spelling of names or write properly in what I assume is his native language.
   
   That being so, the book is well written otherwise, and contains a lot of interesting information about SS Officer Otto Rahn. I don't buy his thesis that Rahn was somehow working against the Third Reich for a second; I don't see how anyone that has read "Lucifer's Court" and understood it could. The problem with this type of book that tries to cover all sides of a large number of issues is that in the end it includes huge pieces of nonsense in between the few straight facts. For example, he mentions Hitler a lot, and how Hitler was supposedly very interested in the issues that occupied the minds of for example Rosenberg, Himmler and Rahn, but sadly for Graddon and all his ilk, Hitler wanted nothing to do with neither religion nor metaphysics, Hitler was an out-and-out materialist. The book contains a lot of food for thought though, on both mysticism and further research, so I do recommend you get it, but I cannot emphasize high enough that you read this book in conjecture with for example Godwin's "Arktos", Evola's "Revolt against the Modern World" and Rahn's very own books. Put together, these books should lead you quite far in your own spiritual quest. 4 stars.

5 comments about Sea Room: An Island Life in the Hebrides.

1. Not the other way around. This was the greatest theme I took away from Adam Nicolson's "Sea Room," the story of the three tiny, uninhabited Shiant (say "Shant") Islands in the Hebrides of Scotland, which Nicholson inherited from his father (the famed author Nigel Nicolson, the son of Vita Sackville-West).

   Nicolson's approach to describing the islands for his readers resembles John McPhee's: it's an engaging blend of natural history (how were the islands formed?), human history (who lived here and why?), archaeology, and ecology (how do the animals and plants of the Shiants form a whole world?). The difference is that Nicolson's passion for place is quite specific: he loves the Shiants like one loves one's parents, infinitely and irreplaceably. You can't imagine him running off and writing a second book about another place.

   Nicolson's prose is lyric and detailed at the same time; despite the length (350 pages and more), the story never flags. At the end of the book, Nicholson defends his continued private ownership of the islands (many feel they should be a public trust); I wasn't convinced, but I respected his strong urge to transmit his love of the place to his son and future generations of his family.

   By the way, Nicholson publicly offers the keys to his cottage to anyone desiring to stay there (his e-mail address is in the book); but consider first that rats seem now to be part of the natural ecology of the place. But perhaps that won't phase you (it doesn't phase Nicholson a bit!).




2. Ah, what a fine book this is. Reading it is like spending time with a new friend. Nicholson has a sharp and curious mind and a generous spirit. You may not think you can be much interested in a group of three little islands in the Outer Hebrides - the Shiants - their climate, wildlife, prehistory, geology, archeology, socio-economics, agriculture, shepherding, folk literature, the sea currents around them, and the host of other topics covered in this book, but Nicholson draws you in. Soon you are immersed in whatever there is to be known about what amounts to less than a square mile of rock, cliffs, beach, and meadow.
   
   The book is organized around the turn of the year, beginning with Nicholson's first journey to the islands in his own boat in the spring, and ending with the first gusty wet weather of autumn, as he sits at the window in a two-room cottage writing. Into this annual cycle he interweaves story upon story, often speculative, of how the islands came to be, how they came to be what they are, and the people over thousands of years who have lived here.
   
   As the year passes, Nicholson sketches in the broad sweep of recorded history from St. Columba to the present, noting the several hands through which the islands have passed, including his father's and his own. A team of archeologists identifies the remains of Iron and Bronze Age settlements and spends a summer uncovering a long abandoned farmstead. The discovery of a buried cobblestone with an ancient inscription sends him on one of many attempts to unravel mysteries that he uncovers.
   
   The book is based on considerable research, and Nicholson pieces together a previously unwritten history of the islands with references drawn from many old documents and interviews with historians and other experts. He helpfully illustrates his text with many photographs, drawings, and maps.
   
   This book is for anyone who feels the magical pull of islands. You will not regard them quite the same way again.



3. A compelling book about the realities of life in the Scottish Islands. Adam has done an excellent job of blending historical details with his descriptions of this area. Well worth a read!



4. I bought this book to indulge my interest in Scotland's islands, and found that, and much more. Essentially, this is a memoor with history, geology, flora and fauna tucked into it. The three small Shiant islands in the Hebrides come alive in Nicolson's hands. He's an excellent writer, drawing the reader in without "effect". You can sense his total awe and regard for this legacy. And, except for the rats, you find yourself wanting to live there, for a few summertime weeks, simply exploring coves and beaches and the semi-desolate interiors of these islands. Along the way, you learn a lot, in pleasurable fashion. Nicolson truly touches on the islands' soul. Recommended!



5. Superb! As someone of Scottish ancestry who went to graduate school there back in the 1970s, I was naturally drawn to this book. Taken at face value, writing a book on three tiny, uninhabited islands is quite challenging, given the nearly four hundred pages this book encompasses. Mr. Nicolson writes stirring prose as he disects every aspect of the Shiants--history, geology, plant life, animal life, etc. From this, the reader can acquire knowledge on a wide variety of subjects that extend well-beyond these little isles--for example, I learned that the abundant defecation of geese is brought about their need to constantly reduce body weight or else lose the ability to fly, as these are indeed heavy birds.
   
   As one interested in the history of the Western Isles, what these islands experienced has application for this entire area, in that many of the smaller isles have experienced the same trend towards depopulation that have beset the Shiants, with the last permanent residents leaving the Shiants in the early 1900s. The author contends that all of this a byproduct of modern, urbanized society which results in individuals in remote places feeling isolated, a psychology that didn't exist 500 years ago when what one could find on one island or the nearby mainland didn't differ substantially from the small islands you inhabited.
   
   Humor abounds, especially funny to read about his father's experinces in the 1930s, the story of him walking around in the nude as he was the only one there, only to be surprised by unknown visitors having a pic nic. Also in the 1930s, his father invited two beautiful young ladies who were to serve as bridesmaids for the future Queen Elizabeth II for a visit. The author muses on why Dad ever invited them as the rat-infested house had no electricity and conditions were very primitive. The trip ends horribly for the young women, with a rat disrupting their sleep and their having to leave the isle the next day by wading out to the boat taking them back to the mainland. Conditions today are still just as primitive-no electricity, running water, etc.
   
   Best part--the end--beautiful description of sitting on a high hill--with the Isle of Skye to the east, the Outer Hebrides to the west. What a place! What a book!