ISBN: 978-1-917-011-04-4

 

Longlisted for The Highland Book Prize & Finalist in The People's Book Prize

 

‘If hate were love, if love were hate, it could not make our tale untold.’

Divorced and living apart from her two children as she strives against the odds to carve out a career in 1940s London, poet Kathleen Raine is initially unimpressed when she meets Gavin Maxwell, a would-be portrait painter struggling to recover from a recent breakdown. Nevertheless, the pair soon bond over childhood memories and a profound love of nature, epitomised by a mysterious vision they share of a rowan tree.

When Gavin confides that he is ‘more of a man’s man’, Kathleen remains determined that their connection can survive. They share a cottage in the wildest reaches of the West Highlands, where they care for Gavin’s beloved pet otter Mij and for each other. But when tragedy strikes, love soon turns to hate, and Kathleen finds herself being written out of her own life.

Inspired by the true story of Kathleen Raine and Gavin Maxwell’s ‘some-requited’ love, Remember the Rowan illuminates their extraordinary relationship and shines a light on the woman behind Ring of Bright Water.

 

What readers have said:

 

 

‘A poignant tour de force that lays bare the complexities of both of its central characters, Remember the Rowan honours their brilliance while examining their flaws with curiosity and compassion. As a poet herself, MacQuarrie scarcely wastes a word, writing with shining clarity. Every sentence is exquisitely worked, every detail in some way significant…’ Alastair Mabbott, The Herald

‘MacQuarrie’s deep research into the life of twentieth century poet Kathleen Raine offers a brilliant reappraisal of a woman feted in life for her literary talent yet almost completely forgotten in Scotland today. Absolutely alive with emotion, this impressive first novel will help to ensure that Raine is remembered as the hugely talented and inspirational writer she was.’ Sara Sheridan, author of The Fair Botanists

‘A beautifully written book in which, reminiscent of Hilary Mantel at her best, MacQuarrie uses the real lives of historical figures as a jumping-off point to write a touching and engaging story of poetry and writing, of the inspirational power of nature and of an all-encompassing, overwhelming love... in its sadness is a real beauty which reveals MacQuarrie as the new author to watch for the Scottish audience.’ Kavan Stafford, Bella Caledonia

 

'MacQuarrie's wonderful turns of phrase create beautiful imagery. I often felt like I was right there with the characters, and nature is almost a character itself within the story. How do you create this magic?' Tracey McCallum, Westender

 

'Based on Raine’s letters and writings, and told through her voice, Remember the Rowan paints a picture of a woman who has been unjustly vilified in the Maxwell story and, equally insulting, often written out of it. In her book, MacQuarrie evokes a poet who was not the embittered and lovelorn ­creature she has been portrayed as but an intellectual giant and unstinting support to Maxwell.' Annie Brown, The Daily Mail

 

(reader reviews)

 

 

'It is so beautifully written, poetic and moving. I absolutely loved it. I felt so close to Kathleen and related to her a lot - the complexity of her character, the highs and the lows, the emotional depth and the beauty of expression... There were lots of times when I had to just stop and think about a sentence that made my heart ache... I've not enjoyed a book that much in a long time. I keep recommending it to my friends!'

 

'Having been a fan of Kathleen Raine's poetry for most of my life, I absolutely loved this and could not put it down. A beautifully written and incredibly moving story about the complex nature of love, relationships and the power of poetry and nature to sustain us. Wonderful.'

 

'A truly important novel, placing a long-forgotten and even long-disdained female writer back into the public eye. Beautiful prose and agonising (in the best way) emotional back-and-forths and complex relationships abound. Go read!'

'The book is really amazing; a kind of meditation on love, misunderstanding and forgiveness. Not only are the characters rich and fully developed, but the nature writing is beautiful. And if you are going to write the last great Gavin Maxwell book (which I think MacQuarrie has) then you have to be able to do the nature writing!'

 

'What a powerful and emotive book! I absolutely loved reading it. It's always so wonderful to read a book that you're enjoying so much you don't actually want it to end, but you also just can't put it down. I've read it twice now, as I just found it so incredibly moving to be immersed in Kathleen's world with her. I started to note down my favourite lines as I was reading, until I realised it was basically going to be the entire book!'

 

On Kirsten MacQuarrie:

 

Kirsten MacQuarrie is a writer and chartered librarian based in Glasgow. Her work has been published by Postbox Magazine, The Dark Horse, New Writing Scotland, the Scottish Poetry Library, Gutter Magazine, Scottish PEN, the Women's History Network, Bluestocking Oxford, Glasgow Women's Library, the Federation of Writers Scotland, Speculative Books, Edinburgh Literary Salon, Stand Magazine, the Young Women's Movement, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, DREICH, Skirting Around, Tipping the Scales, -algia, Abridged and others. She has been shortlisted for a Vogue Magazine Young Talent Award, selected as an Editor's Choice for the John Byrne Award, a prize winner in the Federation of Writers Scotland Vernal Equinox competition, and twice winner of the Glasgow Women's Library Poetry Prize. Kirsten has also served twice as a Non-Fiction judge for Scotland's National Book Awards, presenting her category's award at the national ceremony.  

 

Kirsten has written a non-fiction anthology on Feminist Librarianship which will be released in 2026, published by Facet.

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