The Islands of Orkney
by Liv Kjorsvik Schei and Gunnie Moberg

Since its launch in May 2000, The Islands of Orkney, a collaboration by writer Liv Kjørsvik Schei with photographs provided by local photographer Gunnie Moberg has become an essential addition to any Orcadian's bookshelf.

The full colour publication is the latest work of Norwegian Liv Schei, whose love affair with Orkney began in the late 1970s when she translated a novel by George Mackay Brown. Since then she and Swede Gunnie Moberg have collaborated on a number of works but it is in this one that Liv’s love and interest in the history and culture of the Orkney Islands comes to the fore.

Each island and Mainland parish is dealt with in considerable detail and Liv’s text sweeps the reader along on a historical tour of the county, superbly illustrated by Gunnie Moberg’s unique photographic eye. Divided into chapters covering each area that incorporate a wealth of historical fact with snippets of folklore and local tradition, this is ideal for the casual reader who will find it easy to dip into it at leisure.

From the world renowned sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar – or Brogar, as the author (and this reviewer!) wishes it were still known – to the more obscure but no less noteworthy. A prime example of this is the solitary standing stone in North Ronaldsay, something that has intrigued me for many years but on which there has been little written in recent times.

The Islands of Orkney has none of the “dryness” normally associated with matters historical but instead could act as something of an eye-opener to many a local, hopefully even a catalyst to spark the interest of the younger generation. Gone will be the days when it can be said, ‘but nothing’s ever happened here!’

From beginning to end the pages positively drip with information and I’m sure it’s fairly safe to say that there will be something within this publication that will fascinate even the most well-read Orcadian.

Any complaints? None that are worth bringing up. A few more of Gunnie’s photographs would have been nice but that is but a minor point. The actual quantity of photographs illustrating the text is well balanced and the quality is superb, representing the islands perfectly. Throughout, the photographer manages to capture the spirit of the county with fresh looking views and angles that neatly avoid falling into the category of cliché. All in all – a must buy!

ST