Witch of the Glens

Family tree series #3

by Sally Watson

The time was 1644 in Inverness, Scotland. As the "wicked wee lass" raced along the steep streets, just ahead of the stones and cries of briosag! hurled at her, she wished with all her heart that she were a witch. What a spell she would put on them all! For all her seventeen years, Kelpie could remember nothing but belonging to Mina and Bogle, gypsies who lived by their evil wits. The only law any of them knew was that of self-preservation. Bogle said she had been kidnaped because of her blue ringed eyes of the "Second Sight," and she often wondered from where. A castle, perhaps? Nobility? But a series of events would change her life forever when Kelpie would encounter two fine young men. Truly a hands-down favorite among Sally Watson readers!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Scotland

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Watson is a YA historical fiction writer, mostly about the British royals. She moved to England in 1964 and lived there for 24 years. Her most well-known works are parts of her English Family Tree series. Most of her books went out of print in the 1970s, many eventually reprinted by Image Cascade. She has also written YA novels set in ancient Egypt.

Her most recent book is The Angry Earth, an adult story of the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811.

Reviews

[Anne Osterlund]

Kelpie is a sixteen-year-old thief. And a gypsy lass with the second sight. She cares nothing for the rumors of war now sweeping the Scottish Highlands, for she is far more interested in her own outrageous dreams—of becoming a real witch and defeating Mina and Bogle, the two people who stole her as a wee bairn and raised her with their own set of brutal morals.

But when Kelpie is ordered by her guardians to spy in the house of Glenfern (a place rife with the dangers of sweet wee Marie; the skeptical questions of the twins, Ronald and Donald; the open friendship of Eithne; the confounding trust of handsome Ian; and the even more baffling tongue of the wretchedly annoying Alex), Kelpie learns that sometimes dreams change. Sometimes what you know is right . . . isn’t. And sometimes war is unavoidable.

This is one of my favorite books ever! I’ve read it at least a dozen times.

IMO Witch of the Glens is the perfect blend of adventure, history, romance. And a sharp-tongued, quick-witted heroine.

Set in 1644, rather than the later and more commonly portrayed Bonnie Prince Charlie period, this book is the reason I always wanted to travel to Scotland. And finally did. For years, you couldn’t buy Witch of the Glens, unless you could afford $800.00 to purchase it from a rare book dealer online. But it is available for a regular cost now, through Image Cascade Publishing at the following site: www.ImageCascade.com. And possibly through Amazon. Or you may be lucky enough to find it at your local library, as I first discovered it, or through interlibrary loan.

[Sherwood Smith]

This was probably my favorite book when I was in grade school. I checked it out over and over again. It nearly holds up, rereading it now; Kelpie is a little too determined to remake herself to please the fellow she likes, but I didn't notice that as a kid. I thought she wanted to be civilized. I'm really surprised it is not in print--like Daughter of the Nile I think it would be loved by today's readers. Scotland's history never goes out of style, and Second Sight and magic just add to the fun.

[Chrisanne]

Kelpie is an orphan with the 'second sight' in 17th century Scotland who has been cyclically mistreated, abandoned, and exploited. When chance throws her into the path of Ian and Alex, two young men embroiled in the political and religious upheaval of that time, her life begins a series of subtle changes that Watson illustrates delicately with lilting text.

I loved it. I discovered this on one of those GR lists and I'm so glad that I did. Though at the end the plot gets hard to follow in some places, Watson does a fantastic job showing realistic growth in her characters---who are pretty enjoyable to begin with. Kelpie's quick thinking, comebacks, and self-discovery are delightful. Ian is more than just a pretty face. Alex's witty jabs and loyalty really flesh out his character. And 'wee Mairi' and the twins were adorable. And just when you think you've met them all, you meet Morag and your heart breaks a bit. Perfect for 12+. Here's hoping I can get ahold of some of Watson's other books.

Highly, highly recommended. 4.5 stars. Rounded up because I was thoroughly surprised.

Also available on InternetArchive.org. Sooooo glad.

Second read: holds up quite well. I may have edited a few lines at the end, but still a pretty good book.

[CLM]

4 1/2 stars! My review: http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/202...

[Lisa Brown]

The story of Kelpie, a 16 year old girl raised as a gypsy by a witch in the highlands of Scotland in the 1600's. Used to a life of beatings, little food, no shelter, and no affection at all, just o have the chance to learn to be a witch herself. Kelpie is thrown off balance when Mina, her grandma witch, wants her to stay with a good Scottish family. She finds herself opening her heart to this family, but things go terribly wrong, and this is just the beginning of Kelpie's journey.

For me this book was the whole package. I felt as if it was unique, in that it truly felt like it was written in Scotland in the 1600's. The language and history flowed through it, and so it felt natural and believable. I also loved Kelpie, the main character. I loved watching her journey, both physically and emotionally, and how she was caught off guard by the softening in her heart - seemingly the last to know that she had learned to love.

*I think this book may be out of print. I found it through a used book store, and I was happy I took the effort to find it.

[Karen]

Witch of the Glens was one of my favorite books as a pre-teen--it even gave me some of my first "butterflies" at the touch of romance in an adventure story (which would make the whole story a romance in the true sense of the French word.) Being of Scottish descent, I was pleased with the smattering of
Scots Gaelic and a glossary for that smattering. I had originally read this book over and over in the 1962 hardcover form from our local library, now closed. I had a fit of nostalgia for the story right about the time it was re-released in paperback in 2004. I was able to order it from the people dealing directly with her and I was informed Sally Watson was living and very interested in her
readers--wonderful to hear.

[Heather L]

This is one of those books I don't actually own but would like to. I read it several times between 1982-84, borrowed from the library, but have never been able to find a copy. Or at least, one I can afford. It seems to be quite a collector's item these days, going for $350 or more! Though it's been ages since I last read it, this beautiful historical romance set in Scotland has stuck with me.

[P]

I read "Witch of the Glens" (written 1962) as a teenager (~1970?) and have been charmed by the Highlands of Scotland ever since. Not sure what happened to my original copy - a library book? - so I tracked it down online in 2010 and bought it again. All told, it stands the test of time: a travelogue / history / romance. Very good character development and author Sally Watson doesn't shy away from difficult subjects such as prejudice, loyalty, morals. She also sprinkles the book with Gaelic which adds to the authenticity. A few questionable points: we never find out what happens to Mina and Bogle. Also, the fact that Alex and Kelpie are SHOT by MacCailein Mòr / Argyll's men - presumably at close range - but both recover from their wounds is pretty far-fetched...

[Ann Brookens]

Witch of the Glens and Jade are my all-time favorite Sally Watson books! I first read them in the early to mid '60s when I was in about 6th grade. The independent female heroine was not so common at the time and I LOVED reading about girl heroes! These books have never lost their appeal for me. I have reread them every couple of years for the past 55 years. I highly recommend this book!

[Eileen McCauley]

Sally Watson was one of my favorite authors when I was young. Thank you, thank you Image Cascade for republishing them. Her historical fiction have smart, strong girls in very interesting situations in 16th and 17th century Britain and Scotland. Kelpie grows from an understandably totally self-centered person to reluctantly caring for other people. I highly, highly recommend.

[Hazel Bell]

I love the adventure and the dash of magic. Kelpie is full of spunk, which is just what Scotland needs as they are fighting a religious war. This book has great character development as Kelpie goes from caring for nobody but herself to learning to love.

[Lexlingua]

Cross-posted from my more detailed review at Lexlingua.co

Kelpie has no memory of how she came into the hands of wicked Old Mina and Bogle. She plots an escape from her harsh gypsy life when the house of Glenfern takes her in (out of pity). Now she’s just waiting to steal a few bags of gold, not caring in the least about the war sweeping through the Scottish Highlands. But Kelpie has the second sight, you know, the real second sight (not the fake one that Mina pretends to have) … and soon Kelpie begins to see the human world in a new light.

Kelpie is such a marvelous character. She has a strong case of the wanderlust and has long wandered restlessly, looking for a place to belong but unable to settle down. And her character arc is particularly moving. It’s very difficult to discard a childhood filled with suspicion, theft training, witchery and hatred — and yet Kelpie manages all that. For all her brashness, Kelpie has retained that proverbial heart of gold.

There’s so much humor too, as Kelpie slowly adjusts to the Highlander society, and wins them all with her intrinsic honesty. In turn, she is all tangled-up over the red-haired Alex and bewitched by the little girl Mairi’s toothy love. Kelpie is such a lovable crook, I tell you.

What a charming book! I wish I’d discovered it when I was younger, I think I’d have adored it even more.

[Jane Irish Nelson]

1644. In England King Charles is enmeshed in war with the Puritans, while in Scotland the clans are divided between the Covenanters and the Catholics. And Kelpie is caught in the middle. A gypsy lass, she wanders the countryside with Old Mina and Black Bogle, sometimes stealing, sometimes begging, or telling fortunes. She has no memory of any other life, and wants nothing more than to become a witch — she already has the Second Sight, which Mina uses for her own purposes; and Mina promises to eventually teach her more. After an accident Kelpie is taken in at Glenfern, the home of the Camerons, where she expects to only spend one night, but in the morning Mina tells her to stay for the time being. While working there, she begins to learn new things, and see things in a different way, without really realizing it. Could there be more to life than constantly moving on, and the continuing fear of being caught and accused of witchcraft? Excellent characterization, fascinating, and fast-moving story. Highly recommended.

[Emily Wallace]

I really liked the book, but I love history especially if it is about Scotland. That being said it got a little confusing keeping up with the clans and such. It was still a fun classic to read. Just not sure it is for everyone. It would be a rare middle schooler that picks up and reads this book.

[Bethany (CozyLittleBookNook)]

3.5 Stars.
I liked this but (SPOILER WARNING) I wish that the witch craft wasn't real in the story and it was a little bit more like The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare were there is no real witch craft, just people that believe she is a witch.
Over all it was kind of a let down because of that.

[Ketutar Jensen]

It ended quite abrubtly, and I don't like the "I'll marry you and take you to somewhere else, and no-one asks your opinion".
But it was a good story. Nice romantic adventure.

[eylül]

4.5/5 🌟

[Aileen]

What a fun and exciting story about a girl who has to get by on her bravery and wits. You will enjoy the adventures of the Kelpie.

[Shelly]

Do yourself a favor and do not listen to the audio version, it absolutely ruined the story. Worst narrator I’ve ever encountered!

[Maria]

One of my favorites as a kid. Read it many times. As an adult I see the clunky writing and it’s dated. But still a fond memory

[Tabitha]

It's one of my favorite books to re-read! Kelpie is such an interesting character, and I love the way this story is written. Great comfort read. I definitely recommend this!

[refgoddess]

I read this when I was a teenager. So when I found myself in Kelpie's highlands, I had to read it again. It's a charming tale.

[Marj Johnson]

My mother introduced me to this book as a young tween/teen. It follows the young woman Kelpie as she comes of age as a gypsy wander during the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie. I have loved it since first read.

[Miss Clark]

Thanks are in order to Anne Osterlund, who recommended this book to me - I never would have found it without you:)


2.5/3 stars

This historical novel set in Scotland during the turbulent years of the Staurt uprising focuses on the adventures of Kelpie, a young orphan abducted by unscrupulous gypsies and raised with no moral guidance, affection or love. Kelpie yearns to learn how to be a powerful witch so that no one can again control her or hurt her, but when she is taken into the Campbell home in Glenfern, her life changes as she is forced to come to terms with ideas and feelings outside of her experience and comfort zone. All the while, the political maneuvering provides a dramatic back-drop and propels forward the action and development of all the major players. As with many mid-twentieth century stories, it is light on characterization, but strong in spirit and style. I especially liked the Scottish accent written into the dialogue and the feel of the love for Scotland that abounds in any scene that describes the setting.

Well worth a read!

[christine ✩]

like a fifth through this book I was thinking I had found my favorite read of the year so far if the rest of it would live up to the beginning. I think now that it didn't go entirely the way I anticipated, but OH BOY I had FUN. Kelpie!!! And Ian and Alex and the rest of the family and Morag and all them. 'tis a period of history I do not know well if at all, let alone of Scotland, and it was a wild adventure, but it was Kelpie and the 16 years she had to unlearn and relearn that truly caught me, and the family she fell in with to do so, and the subsequent chaos. Will it be my favorite read? I'm not sure--it's not even July--but I'm giving it 5* on a kneejerk reaction to how much I enjoyed it.

The old hist fic binge is going well so far thumbsup

[Nancy]

Ah, a trip down memory lane! I originally read this book as a young girl & was absolutely enthralled with it, getting it from the library on numerous occasions. I now own a copy, having found it on Amazon, & am happy to add it to my collection of books for young people. Having no idea in my youth that the story was set within actual historical events, it made it more interesting from that perspective to read it as an adult. This is one of those books that spurred my fascination with reading (not to mention with Scotland & red-haired men!).

[Tams]

this was an inspirational author for me as a young teen. this book and all of Sally's books are full of vivid adventures and characters. Not to mention life lessons. Especially how to be a strong, courageous individual no matter what! At 84 she is still going strong and still has a gaggle of rescued cats that she cares for. I searched and searched for her books when I became an adult, but they were non existent or in the 400.00 range. I was thrilled when Image Cascade re printed them. She too is writing again and what a boon for the historical fiction lovers! I love Sally Watson.

[Carrie]

Based in Scotland back during their original fight for independence - this book follows a young girl as she learns to make her own moral choices and what is really important to fight for. Has some great history that is cleverly hidden in a wonderful coming of age type story. One of my favorite authors!

[Kayli]

Such a fun book. I finished it at the airport and had to sit and tell my husband the whole story and how excited I was at the ending with how the couple got together and everything --it was so exciting to me, he was not as impressed somehow. :) Simple and pretty predictable, but I still loved it.

[Lisa]

This is a book that I had searched for over the years, and I was not disappointed when I finally found it. It is a children's book, set in the Scottish Highlands in the 18th C? The adventures of the brave and resourceful heroine are compelling, and makes me want to read more Scottish history and even to return for a visit of the Highlands.