Stuart Graham, a would-be writer, takes a long lease on a crofthouse and sets up his typewriter, but the magic of Shetland’s landscape, its innumerable fishing lochs and its people weave their spell over him and the manuscript looks like it may never get finished. Then Irene appears on the scene and Stuart discovers there is more to life than being a successful author. But tragedy strikes. Stuart learns how an isolated close-knit community deals with every kind of eventuality – work, leisure, humour, pathos and much more. Eventually he becomes part of it all – and he finishes the book. Alastair Christie-Johnston was born in the North Yell manse at Cullivoe. He attended Happyhansel School, Walls when his father moved to become minister of that parish. He is married to Adaline Jamieson of Cullivoe. Though he has lived much of his life in Australia, Alastair has never lost his deep felt love of Shetland and Shetlanders. Nor Heard the Clock Strike reflects this love. As a keen hiker and naturalist, Alastair has explored many of Shetland’s more remote districts. His description of the landscape coupled with a humorous glimpse into the lives of a crofting community makes this an easy ‘feel good’ read.
