The Last Pearl Fisher of Scotland

I am a big fan of Julia Stuart and have read all of her books. She writes gentle stories with humor, sadness, love, and struggles. This novel is set in 1998 and Brodie is the last full-time fisher of fresh water pearls in Scotland. I never knew that there were fresh water pearls in Scotland and it makes a very interesting setting and provides significant plot complications. Brodie lives with his wife Elspeth and his daughter Maggie. They are barely getting by in their small Scottish village. Pearl fishing is a very solitary pursuit and Brodie’s absence is as much of a problem as their lack of financial security. Maggie is one of the most engaging characters you will know and the book lags when she is not providing the point of view. This book is not as humorous or as captivating as her previous books, although it is hard to say why. There are certainly very funny scenes, almost all of which involve Maggie. The resolution is also slightly less than satisfying, but it is hard to think of anything that would have been satisfying and not too contrived.

Another gem of a book from Julia Stuart. Having loved her first three novels, I awaited this book with the keenest anticipation. If anything, I enjoyed this one even more than her previous works. I do wonder why it the book has not been printed in the US, despite the popularity of the author's previous novels here. The plot revolves around Brodie McBride, a pearl fisher who is running out of business as Scotland's lakes are running out of pearl mussels. Alongside his professional struggle, Brodie's ailing marriage to Elspeth comes into focus as we learn that Brodie is desperately looking for a pearl of the right size and color that would complete the necklace, for which he has been collecting pearls for 19 years -- a necklace which Brodie thinks will make Elspeth believe in him again and will save his marriage. His daughter, Maggie, however, has a plan of her own to save her parents' marriage. It all comes together as a beautiful, humorous, and engaging creation, a book that is nearly impossible to put down.

Oh gosh, where to begin?! I was moved. I was angry. I was afraid. I was concerned. I was thrilled. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, sucked into this story betrayal for the sake of true, unabounding love. It was beautiful. Thank you for your story.

So disappointing! I absolutely loved her other 3 books, which left you with something to smile about on every quirky page. After reading half of this book I just gave up waiting for the quirks and the smiles and the oddly lovable characters. It's as though someone else wrote this. Maybe the next book will be like the first three, but this felt forced.

This was another win by Julia Stuart. It tugs on your heart just like her first two books. It was beautifully written.

I finished the book, but it was not amazing.

I think it should have beenmade clearer that this was a very simplistic book. It may have some local interest for a beach read, but not to be mistaken for literature.

Twee story, Well written, but not that exciting.Interesting that Pearl fishing was a legitimate livelihood. Predictable send, but nice.

Got it on Thursday, started reading it on Friday, finished it three hours later. It's a real delight to find a page-turner that's both beautifully written and from which you learn something interesting about the world.

I have really enjoyed Julia Stuart's other 3 books, but am sorry to say I was disappointed with this one. The story line was also reminiscent of the Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise only sadder and without the quirky humor. I also felt she left some loose ends, like she just got tired of writing it and ended it.

A very enjoyable and interesting book, beautifully written. Only negatives were that I felt the whole rabbit subplot was irresponsible, and sometimes the plot as a whole felt a bit flimsy and rushed in places.

Excellent read.