The Island of Sheep

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The mature Hannay, scared of old age - Rated
The Island of Sheep is the last Hannay book and introduces the hero as settled in his home and in family life until the past comes back in the shape of Haraldsen and an old vow to his father. The action is much slower than previous Hannay tales and introduces the reader to new characters such as Peter John, Hannay's son, while reintroducing old friends such as Sandy and Geordie Hamilton and even a throw back to Peter Pienaar. After a chance encounter of the train, Hannay feels that he and his former friends have accepted the advance of age too easily and he is no longer at ease with the comfort his more mature years have brought. The development of the plot however shows that the old Hannay is still there as is the former drive of other acquaintances, something questioned by Hannay himself earlier on. The plot moves from haven to haven - from Hannay's haven, Fosse, to Sandy's, Laverlaw and finally to the dénouement on the Island of Sheep of the title, the persued Haraldsen's haven where he finally finds his inner-strength and is true to his ancestry. Thus the plot has two levels - an adventure stroy as to be expected of any Buchan novel featuring Hannay but also a more spiritual search for one's home as in the home of one's soul. "The Norlands are a spiritual place which you won't find on any map. Every man must discover his own Island of Sheep." Let's hope we all do ...

a buchan classic - Rated
this book is up there with john macnab, which is, in my opinion the best book buchan ever wrote. this is a thriller of the highest quality, taking the reader back to a quieter time where life was more gentle. a very worthwhile read.