Close to Where the Heart Gives Out

‘Wind-whipped and salt-stung, Malcolm’s account of island life is both grounding and immensely heart-warming. He is to GPs what James Herriot is to vets.’ MATT GAW

'A fascinating, funny and utterly heart-warming family adventure. Beautifully written and completely unforgettable.' RUTH HOGAN

‘A mesmerising read about a personal journey, this book is all versions of love (with the island of Eday in starring role).’ HANNAH PERSAUD

'I love the descriptions of the landscape and everyday life.' DOLLY ALDERTON

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Set in the wild and remote landscape of Eday, part of the Orkney archipelago, Close to Where the Heart Gives Out is the unflinchingly honest and moving tale of rural life, from the only doctor on the island ...

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In his forties, Malcolm gave up his job in suburban Glasgow when a persistent seed that had been growing inside him started to bloom, disrupting the foundations of his life. When he saw the job advert, ‘urgent: island doctor needed’, he applied immediately. What he didn’t anticipate was how much Orkney would affect his family, for better or worse.

In stories that range from the humorous to the deeply moving, Malcolm describes what it’s like adjusting to life without modern conveniences and to the extreme – and constantly changing – weather; and what it means to be providing the best medical care to the local population with limited resources. Which often includes the wildlife as well ...

Malcolm’s journey evokes the awe that the Orkney landscape can inspire, as well as the challenges of island life and the demons that the dark, cold winter months can give birth to. Gripping and beautifully written, Close to Where the Heart Gives Out reminds us of the importance of listening to our heart, as well as to the rhythms of the landscape.