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Columba's Bones
Darkland Tales
Series: Darkland Tales
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 416 ratings, 61 reviews)
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Columba's Bones
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The first ever novel by award-winning Scottish playwright David Greig,Columba's Bonesrecasts ninth century Scotland as the setting for a Scandi-noir-style thriller. Utterly unique,Columba's Bonesexplores early Christianity and paganism, philosophy, redemption and shame, violence and love, transcendence and reality.
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Description
The Isle of Iona, 825.
In a bloody, brutal raid, Abbot Blathmac is slain on the steps of his monastery for refusing to give away the location of the sacred relics of St Columba, the missionary who first brought Christianity to Scotland. Following a night of rampage and mayhem, one Viking wakes up the next morning to find himself alone, hungover, and abandoned by his crew mates. He can't swim, there are no boats, and the only surviving monk on the island has taken his sword. With only his wits, he must survive long enough not only to rejoin his Viking comrades, but also to find the location of the elusive relics that brought him here in the first place.
Rooted in the real history of Iona and its early monks, Columba's Bones is an utterly unique and thrilling read, exploring the clash of early Christianity and paganism, and expanding into a sharp, witty meditation on philosophy, redemption, shame, violence, love, transcendence, and reality.
'Stupendously earthy, laugh out loud funny in places, visceral writing.' - Sally Magnusson
'One of the most interesting and adventurous British dramatists of his generation.' - Daily Telegraph
Series: Darkland Tales
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Columba's Bones
The Isle of Iona, 825. In a bloody, brutal raid, Abbot Blathmac is slain on the steps of his monastery for refusing to give away the location of the sacred relics of St Columba, the missionary who first brought Christianity to Scotland. Following a night of rampage and mayhem, one Viking wakes up the next morning to find himself alone,...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Columba's Bones
The Isle of Iona, 825. In a bloody, brutal raid, Abbot Blathmac is slain on the steps of his monastery for refusing to give away the location of the sacred relics of St Columba, the missionary who first brought Christianity to Scotland. Following a night of rampage and mayhem, one Viking wakes up the next morning to find himself alone,...Paperback$2299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Columba's Bones by David Greig has received praise for its blend of humour, romance, and thrilling storytelling, set against the backdrop of a Viking massacre on the island of Iona. The novel explores themes of love, death, and faith, offering vivid descriptions that bridge the past and present. Critics highlight Greig's dramatic flair, witty dialogue, and beautiful prose, noting its appeal to fans of historical fiction and those interested in the cultural clash between Norse paganism and Celtic Christianity. The book is recognised as a remarkable debut, with many hoping for more from Greig.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781846976261
Publisher: Birlinn General
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 05 October 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 18.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 272g
Pages: 184
About the Author
David Greigis a Scottish playwright who studied Drama and English at Bristol University. Since setting up the Suspect Culture theatre company in the 1990s, his plays have been performed widely in Scotland and around the world, includingMidsummer,The Events, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Local Hero,and The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. He is currently the Artistic Director at Edinburgh's Lyceum Theatre.Columba's Bones is his first book.
Also by David Greig
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Columba's Bones
The Isle of Iona, 825. In a bloody, brutal raid, Abbot Blathmac is slain on the steps of his monastery for refusing to give away the location of the sacred relics of St Columba, the missionary who first brought Christianity to Scotland. Following a night of rampage and mayhem, one Viking wakes up the next morning to find himself alone,...Paperback$2299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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