George Mackay Brown - island poet

Throughout his life he rarely left his island home. His poems and books were reflections of the place that he called home - the remote Orkney islands to the north east of Scotland.

George Mackay Brown's connection with the place where he was born, and which he left only for the briefest of spells, is something remarkable as I discovered while reading a biography of his life, written by Maggie Fergusson.

Many years ago it was by chance that I picked up one of Mackay Brown's books 'Time in a Red Coat'. Since then I have always been curious about who this seemingly hermit-like writer and poet was.

In Fergusson's biography there is a richness of unexpected depth and insight. More than just a story of a gifted writer and poet, it traces a life filled with joy, tragedy, love and heartbreak and a cast of fascinating characters who wandered in and out of Mackay Brown's own quiet and mostly island-centric life.

"The best biography of a poet I have ever read" says A.N. Wilson by way of a recommendation on the cover of the book, and his words echo my own thoughts.

The story is told in a thoughtful and detailed way. It is interspersed with pieces of Mackay Brown's own writing and verse, and lines and chunks of private letters both send and received. How he worked, what he loved and cherished, and the way he processed the world around him - which was predominately the Orkney islands - provides much to ponder and appreciate.

At the same time, the quality of his writing and the way he sculpted his thoughts is a lesson in the craft of writing.

As important as it is to write, it is equally important for writers to step back and immerse themselves on occasion in the works of others. 'George Mackay Brown - The Life' is a truly inspiring read.

'A crofter at early light

Found an empty boat stuttering on the rocks...'

- Thorfinn (by George Mackay Brown)

UPDATE (31 August 2012): My review of the book on Amazon is HERE