The Whisky Widow by Karen Brooks
"The Whisky Widow" by Karen Brooks is a historical adventure novel set in the Scottish Highlands during the year 1780. The story follows Greer MacAlister, a woman who finds herself widowed and living in a remote whisky smuggling community with her young daughter, Fen. The backdrop of the novel is a Scotland still reeling from the effects of the British occupation following the Battle of Culloden.
The novel explores themes of rebellion, survival, and the defiant spirit of the Scottish Highlanders. Whisky distilling, an illegal yet vital activity for the community, serves as a central element of the story. Greer, initially met with suspicion by the villagers, earns their trust through a bold act that diverts the attention of excise officers away from their illicit operations.
As the narrative unfolds, Greer and Fen must navigate the dangers of smuggling and the threat posed by vengeful excise men. The story is rich with elements of bravery, adventure, love, and murder, painting a vivid picture of the historical and cultural significance of whisky in the Highlands.
"The Whisky Widow" is not only a tale of personal and communal resilience but also a tribute to the lost art of whisky distilling and the people who were forced to abandon their way of life. Through its engaging plot and historical setting, the novel celebrates the enduring spirit of those who lived in the Scottish Highlands during a tumultuous period.
