The Borrowed Hills

A debut novel by Scott Preston that combines elements of Tarantino-style violence and pitch-black northern realism. The story follows two shepherds who rustle sheep and set their sights on a wealthy farm in the south, leading to a savage conflict that threatens an ancient way of life. The novel is praised for its vivid imagery, sharp black humor, and moments of startling beauty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

A stunningly vivid novel that delivers a powerful punch, blending elements of black humour with moments of breathtaking beauty. It's like a perfect blend of Quentin Tarantino's style and the raw, atmospheric realism of northern England.

The Guardian describes it as a "spiky, precisely focused novel with flavour, intensity, and oodles of character." The Times praises it as a "punch to the gut," highlighting its elemental tale shaded in tones of heroism, machismo, moral intensity, and mythmaking. Kirkus calls it a "blistering debut," praising its life and energy. Publishers Weekly praises it for its "taught, intelligent, and beautifully told" narrative. M. J. Hyland hails it as a "startlingly original addition to the literature of northern England," while Ian McGuire praises it as a "powerful evocation of a landscape and a way of life." Joseph Kanon describes it as a "shocking evocation of a landscape and a way of life."

In the midst of a devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that ravages the hills of Cumbria, emptying the valleys of sheep and filling the skies with smoke, two neighbouring shepherds, Steve Elliman and William Herne, find themselves at a crossroads. Their livelihoods have been destroyed, and their once-bitter rivalry is put aside as they unite in the face of adversity. With nothing to lose, they set their sights on a wealthy farm in the south, its flock of prized animals a tempting target.

However, their sheep rustling leads to increasingly difficult decisions, and Steve's only distraction is his growing fascination with William's enigmatic and independent wife, Helen. As their home falls under the sway of a lawless outsider, it becomes Steve's mission to save himself and Helen from a savage conflict that threatens an ancient way of life.

Scott Preston's novel is a lyrical, cinematic masterpiece that immerses readers in the world of farmers lost in brutal devotion to their flocks. It explores the aching love affairs that men and women use to sustain themselves in this harsh and unforgiving landscape. The characters are complex, flawed, and utterly human, their struggles and triumphs resonating with readers on a deep emotional level.

With its vivid descriptions, rich mythology, and atmospheric storytelling, "The Shepherd's Moon" is a stunning debut that promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to venture into its dark and captivating world.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 165 x 263 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399812849