Columba's Bones: Darkland Tales

On the steps of his monastery, Abbot Blathmac is killed for refusing to give away the location of St Columba's sacred relics. The Viking wakes up alone on the island, must survive, and find the relics to rejoin his crewmates. Columba's Bones is a unique and thrilling read that explores the clash of early Christianity and paganism, and is shortlisted for the Bookmark Book Festival Book of the Year 2024.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

The Isle of Iona, a place steeped in ancient history and religious significance, witnessed a tragic event that would forever change its course. On the steps of his monastery, Abbot Blathmac, a devoted follower of St Columba, the missionary who brought Christianity to Scotland, stood firm in his refusal to relinquish the sacred relics of the saint. In a brutal raid orchestrated by rival factions, the abbot met his demise, leaving behind a trail of blood and destruction. As the night gave way to the morning, a lone Viking woke up disoriented and alone, stranded on the island. Hungover and abandoned by his crew mates, he found himself in a dire situation with no means of survival. The only surviving monk on the island, armed with his sword, watched helplessly as the Viking struggled to reclaim his footing. With only his wits as his guide, the Viking knew he had to endure until he could rejoin his Viking comrades and locate the elusive relics that had brought him to this desolate place.

Columba's Bones, a novel that draws its inspiration from the real-life events and monks of Iona, unfolds as a captivating and thought-provoking narrative. Set against the backdrop of early Christianity and paganism, the story explores the intricate clash of ideologies and the profound consequences of faith and devotion. It delves into themes of philosophy, redemption, shame, violence, love, transcendence, and reality, offering a profound meditation on the human condition.

The writing in Columba's Bones is raw and visceral, capturing the essence of the island and its inhabitants with vivid detail. It is at once earthy and humorous, with moments of laughter interspersed with moments of intense emotional turmoil. Sally Magnusson, the author, has crafted a masterpiece that is both accessible and profound, appealing to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Notably, Columba's Bones has been shortlisted for the prestigious Bookmark Book Festival Book of the Year 2024. This recognition further highlights the novel's exceptional quality and its potential to resonate with a wide audience.

In conclusion, Columba's Bones is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction, religious exploration, or thought-provoking storytelling. It is a testament to the power of literature to transcend time and engage the reader on a profound level. Through its vivid portrayal of the clash of cultures, its exploration of faith and redemption, and its meditation on the human condition, the novel offers a unique and captivating perspective on the world we live in.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 138 x 206 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781846976261