This book is an accurate telling of a time when Scotland gained its identity. A nation's history informs the characteristic of its people. The scourge of the Reformation in the 16th century led to a time of renaissance and freedom. New Scotland had a reformed Presbyterian Scottish church led by the Kirk and Universities rather than King or Pope. Bishops were replaced by local presbyteries. Literacy and disputation became characteristics of the secular identity of Scottish life as able men were encouraged to go to university. Melville reformed schools making
them for all, girls and boys. And so a fisher girl like Rose Nicolson was able to learn Latin, become educated and gain the freedom of spirit that charmed Will Fowler. The use of Scots language enhanced the richness of the narrative, The book was a dense read portraying a convoluted period in Scottish history and it was felt that the book deserved a second reading. The title Rose Nicolson was a little surprising until you realised that Will Fowler's life was defined by her. His passion for her as an independent spirit was heartfelt.