Customer Reviews

Walking Stones

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I read this book nearly 30 years ago, back in elementary school. This was one that I would check out from our public library at least once a year. I no longer recall details of the storyline, but I do remember that this book totally involved me in a way that just a few had. I've looked for a copy of the book off and on for some time. I'm excited to now be able to share with my own kids.

In 1987 my primary/elementary school teacher made time each week to sit our class down and read us a chapter from a book of his choosing. I remember racing to get the big fluffy cushions and sitting and waiting intently for Mr MacNish to read us the next instalment.

That year "The Bodach" (or the walking stones as it is now called) was the book of his choice. I was enthralled by the story and it stayed with me well into my adult life, the concept of the second sight, the washer at the ford and the ability to cast a projection of yourself.

It has been nearly 20 years now, but I still have a copy of that book in my collection and periodically I pull it out to have a read and a remember of one of my few good School memories.

I accidentally stumbled onto this book; browsing through it I saw the name of one chapter was "The Three Rories" - my youngest son's name. Had to buy it! Reading this book aloud became a treasured family ritual. My middle child took this book to college - it had made that deep an impression. Reverence for the "old ways" and the despair we feel as these world-views are gobbled up or eradicated by the encroaching modern perspective - hope for their survival is given a real shot in the arm here. A more magical view of things, Nature and life in general, is beautifully expressed in this unusual book.

One of the better books I have read in the last week is THE WALKING STONES by Mollie Hunter. Set in the Scottish Highlands, this is a tale of magic and legend and how it meets the modern world.

Young Donald Campbell is exited when he learns that a hydroelectric dam will be built in his glen. The dam was foreseen by the Bodach, an old man who lives nearby. But even as Donald and the whole town become excited by the idea of the dam the Bodach declares that the glen will not be flooded until he gives his leave.

Over many seasons the dam is constructed but the Bodach refuses to move to his new home. Instead, he stays in the glen. When Royalty shows up to start the dam working, the workers shut it back down shortly after for they will not be party to the drowning of an old man. The crew then set out in pursuit of the old man, but they can never catch him. Just when they think they are close, he is suddenly on the other side of the glen.

As Donald tries to understand the Bodach's reasons, he learns of the legends surrounding the stone circle that occupies a part of the glen. The stones are said to walk to the river once every hundred years and the time is fast approaching. But then Donald learns something even more astounding, the Bodach has been training him to be his successor and will be given the second sight in a strange ritual.

THE WALKING STONES is a very entertaining book and fun for anyone who enjoys a good Celtic legend. Stone circles have figured in many tales but few have dealt with the encroachment of the modern world on a land of legend quite as well as Mollie Hunter has. And if that alone is not good enough, the finale, when Donald confronts his future and fulfills a promise to the Bodach, is alone worth the price of the book.

A wise old man gives Donald the knowledge - and the poser - to prevent the ancient mystical circle of stones from being destroyed. Just like any other Magic Carpet books, once started, I just couldn't put it down. This is a must-read for all those who enjoy fatasy books.