Child of St Kilda

Written by Beth Waters

Discover the mystery behind St Kilda's sudden evacuation and its impact on a child's life.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.5/5 Goodreads · 145 ratings

70 pages

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Norman John Gillies, one of the last children born on St Kilda, faces a life-altering upheaval as his island home is evacuated in 1930. For over 4,000 years, the islanders thrived in a crime-free, moneyless society, bound by resilience and trust. What led to the abrupt end of this ancient way of life? As the islanders leave their home forever, questions linger about their fate and Norman John's future. Explore the challenges of growing up in a world at the mercy of nature and the unknown journey that follows.

From the publisher

Norman John Gillies was one of the last children ever born on St Kilda, five years before the whole population was evacuated forever to the British mainland. People had lived on these islands for over four thousand years, developing a thriving, tightly-knit society that knew nothing of crime or money, and took care of its weakest members without hesitation. At the mercy of the seasons and the elements, a unique lifestyle evolved, based around resilience, mutual trust and caring. What was it like to grow up in such harsh conditions? Why and how did this ancient way of life suddenly cease in 1930? Where did the islanders go, and what became of them? And what became of Norman John, child of St Kilda?

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 70
Reading age: 4–9
Audience: Picture

Themes & topics

Books about nature Books about history Books about culture Books about 1900-1949 Books about childhood

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.0

“This isn't a story per se, and the first few pages I fully intended to stop reading because I couldn't figure out where the book was going, but then it sucked me in with its descriptions of every aspect of life on these tiny islands off the coast of Scotland whose way of life vanished in 1930. Truly, a fascinating read.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one