Review by Edward James

An informative account of a neglected but potentially crucial episode in British history.

Historical Novel Society website

There are books aplenty detailing the Jacobite Rising of 1715, but Anderson’s stands out from the crowd. Looking at it through the lives of an influential Perthshire family, the Murrays, she traces the brothers’ rebellion against their father to follow the Jacobite cause. This is an intriguing analysis of a prominent family’s woes. I daresay this could be the basis of a binge-worthy television drama.

Scottish Field Magazine

The book is a discovery of the relationships of a famous and noble Scottish family in which women played a formative and extremely important role, through the meticulous examination of literary and epistolary sources.

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On The Old Barbed Wire

This is a valuable look at one of the most significant families in early eighteenth century politics, and helps demonstrate how so many families could genuinely find themselves on opposing sides during the Jacobite revolts, and yet still remain devoted to each other.

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History of War

An interesting look at the rising - what lead to it and during it.

NetGalley, Alexandra Roth

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Rosalind Anderson has undertaken a piece of history, that is so often overlooked, and given it a breath of fresh air. Scottish history of any type can be difficult to write. Thankfully, the Jacobite Rebellion has been well documented.

The role of the Murray family was profound, and the many different nuances that they underwent. I was fully drawn into this book, as the details given flowed perfectly throughout.

In many books, it is easy to get lost, especially when there are so many names and places to remember. While this book is full of each, I didn't find myself losing where I was, or who was who.

Well worth the read!

NetGalley, Rebecca Hill