The Witching Voice

February 1, 2009
Just in time for the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns comes this celebration of his colorful life. Johnston (former head, English, Western Michigan Univ.) places his lusty tale in the noisy, smoke-filled taverns and the crowded, dirty streets of Ayr and Edinburgh, Scotland. Beginning with the early death of their father, Robbie and his brother, Gibby, struggle to maintain the family farm, but it is soon evident that Robbie's talents lie elsewhere and that there is money to be made from his "scribblings" of songs and poems, particularly in the form of patronage. It is also apparent that Robbie's devastating good looks and gift of gab prove irresistible to the women in his wake, as one after another fall victim to his charms and suffer the ignominious fate of pregnancy, illegitimate offspring, and community scorn. For those who know Burns only for "Auld Lang Syne," "To a Mouse," or a yearly excuse to raise a pint on January 25, this atmospheric, dialect-rich retelling of his life winningly fills in the blanks. Most libraries, especially those with readers of Scottish lineage, should purchase.Barbara Love, Kingston Frontenac P.L., Ont.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.