A Summer Like No Other

About the Book: 

In the summer of 1978, young Colin Quinn spends time on South Uist with his uncle, Dr Ruairidh Gillies. As Scotland’s World Cup hopes in Argentina stir the nation, Colin and Ruairidh forge a deeper bond amidst the beauty, isolation and rich storytelling of the 
Outer Hebrides. But, as the days pass, a dark cloud gathers over this idyllic summer and the local folklore capturing Colin’s attention begins to hold a sobering mirror to the present.

A Summer Like No Other is a moving exploration of family, connection, and the haunting forces that shape our lives. Martin MacIntyre’s compelling narrative draws us deeply into that complex changing world, making us care every step of the way. 

Reviews: 

An unsentimental love-song to the communities of Uist and Barra and their Gaelic inheritance. MICHEL BYRNE

An excellent novel with as convincing a take on the World Cup and concerns of the wider world as in evoking the detail and intimacy of daily life in Uist and Barra. With considerable insight and emotional intelligence the writer explores issues affecting identity, community, family, oral heritage and their impact on a young Gael and his relatives over forty years ago. JOHN SHAW 

Deep, rich, and highly complex … a strong and eventually shocking storyline. JOYCE McMILLAN, SCOTSMAN

Visceral and affecting, A Summer Like No Other delivers an unexpected gut punch of a twist that remains long after its end. SALLY McDONALD, SUNDAY POST

This beautiful coming of age story … doesn’t shy away from the realities of rural living. CATHY MacDONALD, STORNOWAY GAZETTE

A Summer Like No Other is a moving exploration of family, connection, and the haunting forces that shape our lives. Martin MacIntyre’s compelling narrative draws us deeply into that complex changing world, making us care every step of the way. FATGUYREADING, Instagram

It is certainly a very unique book and I have never read anything set in the Hebrides so I enjoyed learning about community in such a remote place. It was written in the first person so I felt we really got to know the main character and what he was feeling. The writing is stunning and lyrical. LISA_AND_HER_LIBRARY, Instagram

This was a brilliant read that encompassed so many different things within the storyline. Not only looking at bonds and relationships, family and identity - but also the rich culture, history and folklore of such a wonderful area. BOOK_A_HOLIC_17, Instagram

The landscape of the story is stunning. This added to the atmospheric and lyrical feel of the book. Such a stunning place to learn life’s lessons. LORNABOOKFAN, Instagram

This book was truly unique and unlike any book I have ever read, it has a deep grounding in the Outer Hebrides and seeing how the community faces the remoteness and the reality of small community life was fascinating. MALLOCH_BOOKS, Instagram

Martin's absolutely stunning, vibrant and evocative descriptions and writing skills also ensures that the reader really gets to see, feel and hear not only everything that Colin is feeling and hearing but also to see the raw and wild surroundings and atmosphere. BOOKWORMWHITLOCK86, Instagram

I loved the breathtaking cover, I didn’t know whether to put it on my bookcase or hang it on my wall! I was happy to find that the scenery created inside by Martin Macintyre’s beautiful descriptions is more than in keeping with the cover. I feel like I’ve had a tour of some Scotland’s most beautiful islands (and met some of their most interesting characters). THE_FAIRY_GODMOTHERBOOKER, Instagram

If you love books that capture the soul of a place or if you’re drawn to stories about heritage, memory and identity, this one is for you! It's beautiful, poetic and full of heart. Stunning. ITS.A.HARDBACK.LIFE.X, Instagram

It was an interesting read and well written. LISALOVEFORBOOKS1971, Instagram

About the Author:

MARTIN MacINTYRE was born in 1965 to a South Uist father and Glaswegian mother. He was brought up in Lenzie, and attended St. Aloysius’ College in Glasgow. In 1988 he graduated from the University of Aberdeen in medicine, and between 1990 and 1992 he attained qualifications in Business and Gàidhealtachd Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Martin divides his work-time between medicine, writing and storytelling. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Annmarie and two children Sorcha and Iain Finlay.

Blogs: