SOLVED. YA, set in Scottish Highlands, man fights sidhe to protect farm [s]

[Richard]

This is a book I read back in the early to mid 70's, when I was in grade school. It's a YA book involving a Highlander who disagrees with a custom that dictates that a part of his crops must be given to the sidhe. The author explains that it is bad luck to refer to them by that name and that they should instead be called "The Wee Folk," or other similar names. He prevents the sidhe from taking part of his crops, which only makes them angry and they try to trick him further. He almost falls for it when he meets a group of them and they invite him to share a meal. He sees through their trickery. At one point, he enlists the help of an old woman who has the second sight or something similar, because she is half human and half sidhe. She tells him the sacrifice that he must make in order to appease the sidhe, and it is a terrible one.

[Andria]

Possibly The Haunted Mountain: A Story of Suspense

[Richard]

Andria wrote: "Possibly The Haunted Mountain: A Story of Suspense"

Not sure, but from what I can tell it is at least very similar! Thank you!

[Andria]

Here's a somewhat detailed amazon.com review that might help you decide if it's "your" book or not. Maybe the names will ring a bell for you!


"In the Scottish Highlands, in the glen where MacAllister lives, it has always been the custom to leave a piece of land called the "Goodman's Croft" for the use of the sidhe, the fairy people. But MacAllister has fallen in love with a pretty girl called Peigi-Ann, and decides to plow the Goodman's Croft along with the rest of his land in order to make a good enough living to marry her. He thereby brings on himself the wrath of the proud sidhe, but being a stubborn man, he vows that if he cannot use the land, neither shall they. MacAllister, and later his wife, son and even their faithful hunting dog Colm, must call upon all their wit, courage and humanity if they are to prevail against the various magical attacks of the vengeful sidhe.
The story reads very much like an extended fairy tale, so any child or adult who enjoys reading fairy stories should like this; indeed, it's kind of a treat to read such a long and well-fleshed-out fairy tale. Mollie Hunter is an excellent storyteller; not only does she capture the beautiful and frightening strangeness of the sidhe and their magic, but also makes her loveable human (and animal) characters - stubborn MacAllister, strong Peigi-Ann, the mysterious Skeelie woman, brave Fergus, faithful Colm - come alive for the reader, and their warm human moments of joy and sorrow and triumph and humor and love provide a grounding for all the weird and wonderful happenings. Most of her books seem to have gone out of print, which is a shame, but if you should happen to come across one, do give it a try."

[Richard]

Andria, I read the review after you provided the title, but I appreciate the fact that you provided the review. Of all things, the name of the dog seems familiar! I have good hopes that this is actually the book but it seems quite difficult to get hold of! But I will try. Again, thank you for your help.

[Andria]

You're welcome! As a librarian, I have to put in a plug for your local public library -- they may be able to get this book for you through inter-library loan from another library system if they don't have a copy. (it's usually a free service!)

[Richard]

Andria wrote: "You're welcome! As a librarian, I have to put in a plug for your local public library -- they may be able to get this book for you through inter-library loan from another library system if they don..."

Andria, I don't work in a library but I did get a degree in library science! So I appreciate the solid advice. And I've already started searching catalogues. If I can't track down a hard copy locally, ILL will be the next step.

[Andria]

ok, cool! I'm never sure how much people know about public library services so I try to promote ILL on here whenever possible. Obviously you know what you're doing, so carry on! :)

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Richard--what do you want to do with your thread? Leave it here so that if someone knows of another similar book they can suggest it, or, if you believe that it IS your book, move it down to Solved?

[Richard]

Ann aka Iftcan wrote: "Richard--what do you want to do with your thread? Leave it here so that if someone knows of another similar book they can suggest it, or, if you believe that it IS your book, move it down to Solved?"

I think it may be the book but I'm not quite sure yet. I'm busily trying to track down a copy. So if we could leave it as unsolved for a little while, I'd appreciate that.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Sure thing, that's why I asked.

[Richard]

I have now read the book and it is the same one I read in grade school. So this thread can be moved to Solved. Thanks to Andria for helping me find it.