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Linda Gillard
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EMOTIONAL GEOLOGY Kindle Edition

by Linda Gillard (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 626 ratings
Rose Leonard is on the run from her life. Haunted by her turbulent past, she takes refuge in a remote Hebridean island community where she cocoons herself in work, silence and solitude in a house by the sea. Life and new love are offered by friends, her estranged daughter and most of all by Calum, a fragile younger man who has his own demons to exorcise. But does Rose, with her tenuous hold on sanity, have the courage to say "Yes" to life and put her past behind her?...

~~~

A passionate, off-beat love story set in the Outer Hebrides, EMOTIONAL GEOLOGY was shortlisted for the WAVERTON GOOD READ AWARD 2006 and was runner-up for PURE PASSION, North West Libraries' award promoting romantic fiction.

Praise for EMOTIONAL GEOLOGY...

“The emotional power makes this reviewer reflect on how Charlotte and Emily Bronte might have written if they were living and writing now.” NORTHWORDS NOW“

A book about madness, memory and mountaineering that defies categorisation. A love story filled with passion and paint-stripping honesty.” HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS ARTS JOURNAL

“Lyrical, intriguing and haunting.” ISLA DEWAR (Women Talking Dirty)

"Complex and important issues are played out in the windswept beauty of a Hebridean island setting, with a hero who is definitely in the Mr Darcy league!" www.ScottishReaders.net

"What I most liked about it was the writer's evident love for fabric, handiwork of various kinds and the way she brings a whole landscape to life. I'm looking forward to her next." ADELE GERAS (Facing the Light)
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  1. Print length
    253 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    14 Jan. 2014
  5. File size
    2.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0055T357G
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 14 Jan. 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 253 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 626 ratings

About the author

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Linda Gillard

Linda Gillard

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Linda Gillard lives in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. She’s the author of eleven novels, including STAR GAZING, shortlisted for Romantic Novel of the Year in 2009 and the Robin Jenkins Literary Award for writing that promotes the Scottish landscape.

HOUSE OF SILENCE and THE MEMORY TREE became Kindle bestsellers. Linda is now working on Book 3 of "The Wyngrave Women" series which began with TIME'S PRISONER. Book 2, TIME'S TYRANNY will be published in April 2025.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
626 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging and well-written, with lovely descriptive prose that makes the scenery come alive. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback for its depth and emotional content, with one customer highlighting its excellent portrayal of bipolar disorder. Additionally, customers appreciate the believable characters and the book's intelligence, with one noting its thorough research.

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40 customers mention ‘Readability’40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and delightful to read.

"...It is certainly one of the best books I've read this year, and I'm now going to work my way through the rest of her books..." Read more

"This is a wonderful, immersive story written with insight, sensitivity and skill...." Read more

"...love story and a warm and clever evaluation of relationships, good and bad...." Read more

"...Still,it's nice to read a story that ends well and in such a setting.I enjoyed it." Read more

29 customers mention ‘Writing quality’29 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its lovely descriptive prose and uncompromising style.

"...Rose's descent into madness was well-written, though I still felt little sympathy for her...." Read more

"...it, therefore I have only given it three stars as an OK read - it's well written, there's no problem there..." Read more

"...I particularly enjoyed the motif of geology and the descriptions of creative processes...." Read more

"This is the first book I have read by this well-regarded author and I was pulled in straight away by the poetic intensity of the writing...." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Emotional content’28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional content of the book, describing it as an emotional read that deals with bereavement and mental health issues, with one customer highlighting its excellent portrayal of bipolar disorder.

"...out at you from the pages of the book and you feel for them, all sorts of emotions, some good and some bad, and that's life...." Read more

"A brave book for tackling grief, mental illness and ptsd...." Read more

"...has clearly drawn heavily on her own experiences and the result is an engaging and moving book that deals convincingly with personal relationships..." Read more

"...a hymn of praise to the damaged, to the incomplete, a wonderful thing of hope. And it made me want to take up my sewing again." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Beauty’22 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's beautiful setting, noting how it makes the scenery come alive and is beautifully poetic. One customer particularly enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the island landscape.

"...The scenery again is amazing and makes me long for the short bursts of time I spend in Scotland...." Read more

"...I felt the cold, I loved the skies, I heard the sea, I watched the snow fall, I basked in the heat of the peat fire. I wanted to be there." Read more

"...had to buy the paperback too, not only because it will look beautiful on my bookshelf (Kindle, much as I love you, you're no use on that score) but..." Read more

"...difficult themes are wrapped up in the author's wonderful descriptions of the island landscape and interesting depictions of island life...." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Story quality’22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the depth of the story, describing it as a fascinating tale of love and an enjoyable romance.

"...It's a moving tale of a woman damaged by past loves and losses and her attempt to face a meaningful future...." Read more

"...choose to read 'romantic fiction' but this book has far deeper levels beyond a love story and is in no way saccharine...." Read more

"...But it is also a tender love story and a warm and clever evaluation of relationships, good and bad...." Read more

"...and the result is an engaging and moving book that deals convincingly with personal relationships complicated by mental health issues...." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Character development’16 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them really believable, with one customer noting their interesting and honest voice.

"...her mental illness affects her, and others like her, then her character is well drawn...." Read more

"...Gillard is an interesting and honest voice and I will be downloading some more of her work soon." Read more

"I enjoyed the character development of the protagonist in this book, especially with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder...." Read more

"...The characters are well-developed and their pasts gradually revealed. This is an undemanding book which is a pleasant, relaxing read." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Intelligence’6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's intelligence, with one customer noting it is well researched and another mentioning it addresses all their questions.

"...It was intelligent, controlled, and masterful: I felt I was putty in the author's hands...." Read more

"...is a wonderful, immersive story written with insight, sensitivity and skill...." Read more

"...Characterisation of the landscape was important and handled well, but some of the accessory characters lacked depth." Read more

"...Again, I loved all the craft references; I'd love to see those wall hangings." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Engrossedness’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engrossing and satisfying, with one mentioning it whetted their appetite for more.

"...and it's whetted my appetite for more -and reminded me of the the power of narrative...." Read more

"...I found it totally engrossing and satisfying...." Read more

"Engrossing and haunting read...." Read more

"emotional ~ and satisfying read..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Alison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quite simply brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 October 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I reviewed this book for my blog:
    How to write a review of this book without giving away the whole plot? I want to tease you with enough of it to make you go out and read it for yourselves, but without giving too much away.

    I was too ill to go to work yesterday so between sleeping I read almost the entire book. Which should say something in itself.

    Sometimes I felt like I was almost reading the authors diary. In a way I hope I wasn't as I wouldn't want to think that she had a `Gavin' in her life. Safe to say I didn't like this guy too much.

    Callum, well I felt a little heartbreak when he was explaining what had happened to Chris. Now this is a fictional character but with such realistic dimensions I felt a little heart break!!

    The scenery again is amazing and makes me long for the short bursts of time I spend in Scotland. If it wasn't so cold and rainy I'd be there in a shot.

    There were times when I almost felt like I was reading a manual on how to write. Not in a patronising way but I learnt a little as I ploughed through the pages.

    I am studying a writing course but seem to not be following the instructions being given to me. When I am writing I don't find I need to know the ending of the story, just the start. Then I almost let the story tell itself with me being the medium to allow the story to be told. In the book, I almost read the same thing.

    I suppose this book is a woman's book, I am not sure how much men would get out of it, or admit to getting out of it. Maybe it would be like the woman's magazines, men call them piffle then sneak a peak when you are not looking.

    The characters dance out at you from the pages of the book and you feel for them, all sorts of emotions, some good and some bad, and that's life. It's another book that grips into you and when you finish the book, when you get to those longed for last pages, the hunger to know the full story makes you not want to put the book down. Then you get there, you know it's the end but you turn the page all the same hoping there will be more.

    When I close a book and am silent for a while I know it's been good.

    I hope I have given you enough to want to go out and read it now.
    One person found this helpful
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  • E Jasper
    4.0 out of 5 stars It made me think about mental illness
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 November 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I found this a difficult read. I understand how depression works, but I don't know much about other forms of mental illness and I have mixed feelings about how it is portrayed in literature.

    In this book, I found Rose a difficult character to like. She seemed too dependent upon Gavin - to the point of obsession, which clashed a little with her independence in other ways, for example, with regard to her work. She did not relate very well to her daughter, and within her own mind was superior to Shona. While she admits she dresses herself 'like a bag lady' on Uist, she describes Shona in less flattering terms - noticing her bright, polyester clothes and her less than perfect figure. Shona's kindness is appreciated, but as an individual Rose seems to feel herself superior to someone she depends upon as a friend. Not a pleasant trait. Overall, I found Rose as a character to be self indulgent, self obsessed and very flaky. If this is how her mental illness affects her, and others like her, then her character is well drawn. Rose's descent into madness was well-written, though I still felt little sympathy for her. Then the contrast between the tall, handsome and attractive Calum and his sister is emphasised. That Calum has his own demons to fight makes the book more interesting in some ways, but a bit overloaded with angst in others. However, he was a much more engaging character than Rose. Supporting characters, like Megan, Shona and her husband and children, and the ghost of Gavin, do help to draw the story together.

    The real star of this particular show was, for me, the islands themselves; the scenery, the way of life and the weather. I felt the cold, I loved the skies, I heard the sea, I watched the snow fall, I basked in the heat of the peat fire. I wanted to be there.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Debbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Original, different and simply wonderful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 May 2013
    Verified Purchase
    When a friend recommended this writer to me, I chose to read Emotional Geology first because it offered lots of ingredients guaranteed to draw me in: the intruiguing Hebrides, where I'd recently holidayed; a love of textiles and quilting; the brooding presence of the Munros and hillwalking (my Scottish husband's passion); plus a beautiful, evocative image of the Highlands & Islands on the cover (even though I was planning to read it on a monochrome Kindle!) The theme of bipolar was not so much a draw in itself, but its balanced view from within of what it is like to live with that disorder added further interest and poignancy to this rewarding story.

    It's a moving tale of a woman damaged by past loves and losses and her attempt to face a meaningful future.

    I adored the style in which the complex tale was slowly, meticulously unfolded. It was intelligent, controlled, and masterful: I felt I was putty in the author's hands. It is certainly one of the best books I've read this year, and I'm now going to work my way through the rest of her books (and I'm glad to know that she's writing more - always good to find that a writer you enjoy is prolific!) Even though they sound quite different in some ways, I'm sure they'll be well worth reading.

    By the way, having read quite a few books set in the Hebrides, both fiction and autobiographical, I felt this was one that the locals would appreciate - respectful, honest about the harshness of the conditions there, yet celebratory of their lifestyle and never ever patronising, as some books about the islands have been. If the Scottish Tourist Board isn't already selling this book in its shops, it's missing a trick!

    It's also one of those books that once I'd read it on Kindle, I just had to buy the paperback too, not only because it will look beautiful on my bookshelf (Kindle, much as I love you, you're no use on that score) but because I know it's a book I'll want to dip into again, to re-read and to show and recommend to my friends.
    12 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • AvidReader
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United States on 8 August 2012
    Verified Purchase
    My first thought when I finished reading Emotional Geology was masterpiece. Beautifully written and deeply moving, it's the story of a woman with bipolar disorder who is trying to start afresh after a traumatic relationship break-up and the resultant mental breakdown.

    Rose, a textile artist buys a cottage on Uist, a remote Scottish island, and meets Callum, a poet, teacher and the younger brother of her neighbour Shona. Rose wonders why this handsome, charming forty year old is alone. Though there are hints before hand, the truth only comes out in the final chapters where he reveals his scars both physical and mental in some very powerful writing.

    The reason for Rose's breakdown is revealed in scenes of past events. As the story progresses, we discover the full extent of her betrayal by her ex-partner Gavin, and follow her inner journey as she endeavours to cast off his ghost and open herself to the possibility of new love.

    This is a multilayered work with a brilliant use of poetry and descriptive imagery using the language of textiles eg colour, texture, weight and movement qualities, as described through the eyes of a textile artist. The descriptions of Rose's all black textile response to Callum's poem, Basalt, is exceptional. I saw the piece as if it hung on the wall before me. The description of the gold and white piece was similarly evocative and it's brightness a fitting and highly symbolic balance to the black hanging on the opposite wall.

    As with all of Linda's work, the characterisation was exemplarary, especially the sensitive and realistic description of Rose in a manic phase. I loved the parallel drawn between the manic and creative state, something reinforced by Rose's creation of a work of art as a way of coping with a major trauma.

    Gillard uses different points of view, first and third, well to give different degrees of intimacy to different scenes. I loved the rhythm created by the different lengths of scenes separated by gaps of time, especially during the party where the various snippets give the vague disjointed experience of someone who had drunk just a little too much.

    This is, without a doubt, a 5 star work and one that all lovers of contemporary fiction and romance should read. Also if you like symbolism in stories and lots of layers of meaning to unravel, then you'll love this.
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  • Snapdragon
    3.0 out of 5 stars Landscape good, psychology not
    Reviewed in Australia on 22 June 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of those chick lit romances where a damaged woman (Rose, textile artist, bi-polar) retires to a remote place (Hebridean island of Uist), meets a handsome local (Calum, English teacher, poet, mountain climber) who has his own demons and eventually falls in love. What you often find in books of this type is that the hero is unbelievably understanding of the woman, who prevaricates in a way that comes across as remarkably egotistical, making you doubt the psychological truth of the character. We’re given the back story of Rose’s failed relationship with another climber to account for this but ... let’s just say that it still doesn’t quite wash. The author keeps piling on the problems poor Rose has suffered, including an act of betrayal by her own daughter but at least shows us how things looked from the daughter’s point of view. Living with a mother who regularly attempts suicide is no picnic.

    Calum likewise has the dial ratcheted up on his issues. It’s not enough that he betrayed his wife with her best friend and endured the deaths of climbing friends. He holds back on revealing to Rose the depth of his closeness to one of them, not to mention the injuries he has suffered. At least his lively sister Shona and her happy brood of children provide relief from the grimness.

    On the other hand, the landscape is very well evoked, and we learn a bit about local Scottish lore. Also mental illness. For a more convincing type of domestic drama, try Liane Moriarty.
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  • LiRoHolic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wundervolle, ungewöhnliche Liebesgeschichte
    Reviewed in Germany on 11 April 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Inhalt:
    Schwer von psychischer Krankheit und einem langen Klinikaufenthalt gezeichnet kommt die Textilkünstlerin Rose auf die Insel North Uist, um dort ihr Leben neu zu ordnen. Die Ruhe und Abgeschiedenheit helfen ihr dabei ebenso, wie ihre neu gewonnenen Freunde Shona und deren Bruder Calum. Vom ersten Moment an zueinander hingezogen entspinnt sich zwischen Rose und Calum eine vorsichtige Liebesgeschichte. Doch immer noch schwer traumatisiert von den Erlebnissen, die zu ihrem Selbstmordversuch führten, fällt es Rose schwer, sich erneut einem Menschen anzuvertrauen. Und auch der zunächst gewinnende und lebensfrohe Calum hat mehr zu verbergen, als es anfangs scheint.

    Meine Meinung:
    Was sich zunächst wie ein ziemlich platter, nichtssagender Liebesroman anhört, entspinnt sich in einem Feuerwerk aus Perspektiv- und Zeitwechseln. Nach und nach erfahren wir beim Lesen mehr über Rose, ihren täglichen Kampf in ein Leben zurückzufinden, das ihr mehr zugemutet hat, als sie ertragen konnte. Dabei ist sie vorsichtig. Vorsichtig mit sich, ihren Gefühlen und dem, was sie sich selbst zumutet. Wir erfahren zu Gavin, dem Mann, den sie mehr liebte, als ihr eigenes Leben, dessen Untreue sie verzeihen konnte, genauso wie die Tatsache, in seinem Leben immer nur die Nummer zwei zu sein, hinter seinem Hobby der Bergsteigerei. Nur eines konnte sie ihm nicht verzeihen, das Unaussprechliche. Früh ahnt man bei Lesen, dass es sich bei der großen Katastrophe um etwas schreckliches handeln muss, aber die Autorin lässt uns im Dunkeln, sät Zweifel und Angst und Hoffnung. Hoffnung vor allem in Person von Roses gutherzigen Nachbarin Shona und deren Bruder Calum. Zupackend und ganz und gar unkompliziert erschleichen sich die beiden einen Platz in Roses Leben, sind da, wenn sie gebraucht werden, geben Halt und Wärme und gerade damit auch Grund für immer erneute Rückzüge. 'Emotional Geology' ist ein Buch über die Angst zu Leben, über den Mut schwach zu sein und die zerstörerische Kraft der Liebe. Es hat mich berührt und mitgerissen. Ich habe mit Calum um Roses Zuneigung gebangt, mit Rose gelitten und gehofft. Manchmal wollte ich sie anschreien, endlich über ihren eigenen Schatten zu springen und sich dem Leben wieder zu öffnen, manchmal wollte ich sie in den Arm nehmen und trösten. Und an wieder anderen Stellen musste ich mich einfach vor ihr verneigen, vor dem untrüglichen Wissen über ihre eigenen Grenzen und die Vehemenz, mit der sie diese geschützt hat.
    Es stimmt, 'Emotional Geology' ist eine Liebesgeschichte, aber eine, die ihre Romantik gerade an Stellen entfaltet, an denen man es am wenigsten erwartet, vielleicht genauso spröde, wie diese baumlose, ruhige Insel, die Rose für ihren Neubeginn gewählt hat und die mir beim Leben teuer wurde, wie die Protagonisten selbst.

    Von mir gibt's 5/5 Punkten und eine glatte Leseempfehlung.
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  • Nicole Fitz
    4.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeously-wrought tale that feels like escape reading, but fools you.
    Reviewed in the United States on 23 November 2013
    Verified Purchase
    A beautifully-layered story of an artist recovering from a shattering bout of mental illness. But fear not! Under Gillard’s skillful pen, her character Rose Leonard's resurrection through reconnection with art, family, and the stunning geography of a remote Scottish island, is surprising, charming, moving, and honest. It’s written in a fascinating combination of viewpoints in first and third person—that threw me at first. But Gillard makes it not only work, but lend an otherworldly aura to the work, or perhaps what it feels like to be a bit psychically off balance. Yes, there is a man; Calum. And like another reviewer, I found him too perfect. A tall, handsome, ex-climber, well-published poet, who loves intellectual discourse, just HAPPENS to be single AND puts himself completely at the service of this damaged, eccentric older woman? Yes, he has a wee drinking problem and he cheated on his ex-wife. Still, if such a creature existed, all interesting females in the immediate 500 miles would be on him! However, isn’t this why we read fiction?! And as Rose’s tale unfolds, Gillard makes me want someone like this for her. Rose takes responsibility for who she is, what she’s done and what she has. Readers steadfastly refuse to call this story a “romance,” but I don’t think of it as a “love story,” either. (Maybe that’s because I don’t think of myself as a reader of those genres and I loved this book!). There is so much here about the land, about families, about art. It’s just a gorgeously wrought tale that doesn’t shy from unusual subjects or depth, a book that feels like escape reading, but fools you. This was Gillard’s first novel and the first of hers I’ve read. Upon finishing, I immediately ordered two more. I’m now deliriously ensconced in “Star Gazing,” which shares many similarities with EG, and is a masterfully done. (If you like Calum, just wait til you meet Keir). I’m saving “House of Silence” for Christmas. I’m grateful to have found a writer of such clarity, integrity, and heart.
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  • Chris Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rich and Deeply Satisfying Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on 13 October 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I first read Emotional Geology several years ago and can’t believe I didn’t write a review then. I have just reread (devoured) it for a FB discussion group, and am so glad I did. This book is brilliant! Linda Gillard is an amazing writer. She, beautifully, and bravely, infuses many of her characters with complex problems (in this case,the main character has bi-polar disorder), and then, takes us on a journey of discovery along with these characters. This is painful at times, but also joyful and healing. I think one of this writer’s greatest strengths is her superb character development. I suffered along with Rose and Calum, but I also felt their their growing, deep connection. Because of this book, I believe I’ve developed a better understanding of bi-polar disorder, and I’ve also learned something about mountain climbing and textile art - but, there’s also a whole lot about love in there, too: obsessive, passionate, and deep, enduring. The Scottish Isle of North Uist is another character in Emotional Geology. Ms. Gillard’s lyrical descriptions of the land, sea, and sky greatly added to a rich and deeply satisfying read.
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