Kathleen Jamie is Scotland’s National Poet or Makar, and this book is a collection of personal notes, prose poems, micro-essays and fragments. The idea is that they are arranged here like the stones of a cairn. I was slightly nervous that this might be too ‘literary’ for me – but it wasn’t. Here are some powerful, clear and perceptive accounts, remembrances and observations with a strong environmental flavour.
Accounts of demonstrations and protests attended, bird flu on the Bass Rock, a Raven that croaks at you, a yellow hawkbit, thrift and guano. Bits of covid, family, friends.
A small book that packs a big impact, but which is easily slipped into a coat pocket, or small rucksack or handbag. It makes a good companion on a train journey, or when waking in a bed away from home.
I will seek out more from the author.
The cover? It’s difficult to know what is an appropriate cover for a book of varied poetry and short essays. Difficult, but I think this one gets it perfectly right so I’d give it 9/10.
Cairn by Kathleen Jamie is published by Sort of Books
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She’s a brilliant writer. ‘Surfacing’ and ‘Sightlines’ are excellent.
She’s refreshingly different Kathleen Jamie; able to intrigue and surprise with a different perspective on things and she’s big on nature. I’ve read a few of her prose books and enjoyed them all so I’ll definitely be getting this one. Her poetry’s something else too:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/42188/the-dipper
Kathleen Jamie is a wonderful writer that perfectly evokes the natural environment. Her descriptions of visits to St Kilda and North Rona are especial favourites of mine. Seek out her other books.
She is a wonderfully evocative nature writer. I especially like her pieces on St Kilda and North Rona. I recommend you seek out her other books.