Set in Muckle Flugga (what is not to love in that name? the name is a bonus), a remote island in Scotland, we have lighthouse keeper father and his son Ouse.
Things start to change when a writer (Firth) arrives.

Pederson’s craft is curious, sophisticated and warm, all at the same time, and the same goes for this novel.
The dynamics between the three men, the island and them, themes such as belonging, change, resistance, tradition were all interesting and well-weaved into the story. Muckle Flugga’s soul becomes visible through Pederson’s narrative.

Then we have another layer, which is mythical and mysterious, with a character like Figgie and the island as a character, which I loved.

I cannot wait to see what Pedersen does next.

Muckle Flugga is the most artistic piece of literature I have read in a long time. The prose and vocabulary is so poetic, lyrical and descriptive that I was swept away on the waves and immersed in the wilderness of this remote, rocky island.

Muckle Flugga is a story of grief, guilt, duty and conscience; but it also offers a wealth of beauty, humour, longing and wonder.
My favourite quote from the book declares: “…there is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.”

I am always drawn to stories that feature a lighthouse - and the cover of this book grabbed my attention immediately - the artwork is a superb representation of Muckle Flugga. Lighthouses have played such a significant role in history and they are seen as a beacon of hope, guidance and safety - and all of these things resonate from the pages of Muckle Flugga. Each character - The Father, Ouse and Firth - are all in need of the comfort and reassurance found in having a sense of hope, guidance and safety. My hope, after finishing this book, is that there will be a sequel - I want to know more of Ouse’s experiences beyond this novel!

All I can say is, go and read Muckle Flugga - and then you’ll understand what I’m talking about!

Thank you to the publisher, Faber and Faber Ltd, for an advance digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

We are big fans of Michael Pedersen in this library, so this first novel has been very eagerly anticipated. Not a disappointment - utterly beautiful writing. I love it.

" Ouse, your rudder is showing, You can't hide that twitching compass needle from me; my explorers heart thumps to the same rhythm. I think you are getting ready to leave."

Muckle Flugga is a gem of a read!! Be prepared to fall in love with an island.

From start to finish, you are transported to the remote lighthouse island and then become bewitched by the lives of Ouse and The Father and the impact that Firth (a visitor how has travelled to this furthest outpost with dark thoughts about life within ) has on the equilibrium.

Michael Pederen's poetic talents are what lift this beautiful story into something much more magical, haunting and life-affirming. The prose is hypnotising and certainly could broaden your lexical diet.

This is a book about finding your true self - following your own path . Others can halter progress of even support and nurture but ultimately it's the person within that decides.

Nineteen year old Ouse has lived on the island all his life and finished school earlier to assist his dad on Muckle Flugga ( The Mother has died) He has an other worldly awareness and spirituality - a love of the natural world and the seasonal changes ; an ethereal feeling towards emotions- so much so that he talks to continually the RLS ( Rober Louis Stevenson) as a guide and confident.

Ouse has a talent for design /art and creates beautiful knitwear. Firth sees this talent and becomes enchanted by Ouse and the desire to help him" escape" and go to Edinburgh whilst The Father can't let go of his son- the need for the maintaining the lighthouse and passing on this legacy. despite Keepers & Lighthouse Association of Majestic Scotland (KLAMS) wanting mechanise the lighthouse.

The opposing /conflicting sides of Firth and The Father are palpable each wanting what they believe is best for themselves and Ouse ( or is this concern altruistic?). But ultimately it is Ouse that you feel for- what will he decide- detached from the 'wider' world and insanity of city life..

This is a book to be savoured and recommended to others; a book to take you away to a remote location and feel the wildness and wonder; a book about love and most of all a book that makes you reflect about choices and paths taken and still possibly to take.

Highly recommended and magical read. Ouse is a brilliant creation.

A top read for 2025!!!!

Vocabulary that bewildered and bewitched : tatterdemalion; oneiric; aberrant; coevally; stramash; bones; sigil; tombolo; haecceity; fealty; addlepated; birl; coruscate

Quotes:

:" There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy"

" Year s from now we are nothing more than the echoes of the kindness we cast"

" Time's not one for treading water"