An Island Apart

Related in vivid, vigorous prose, Beckwith's new novel (after The Small Party ) again transports readers to the wild, beautiful Hebrides Islands. Originally an island girl, 38-year-old Kirsty MacLennan has been a cook in an urban boarding house since she was 14. Tired of her nasty employers and city life, longing for her own home and freedom, she happily accepts Ruari Beag MacDonald's marriage proposal after just a few days acquaintance; it seems a practical bargain. Despite the disapproval of Ruari's grim brother, who co-owns the island of Westisle, Kristy is soon enjoying her new life with a kind, if not terribly romantic husband. She makes friends with warm, jolly mainlander Mairi Jane and finds herself drawn to 14-year-old Jamie Eilidh, apparently forsaken by both his parents. She wins the respect of her brother-in-law and shares some happy moments with Ruari and Jamie before a dark secret from the past--and a bittersweet one in the present--deeply affect her life. Love plays a part in this touching novel, but its true-to-life conclusion marks it as reading for realists, not romantics. (Jan.)