BOOK REVIEW: Clanlands by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

Title: Clanlands
Author: Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
Publication: November 3, 2020
Publisher: Quercus
Genre: Non-Fiction, Travel
Pages: 352

SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)

From their faithful camper van to boats, kayaks, bicycles, and motorbikes, join stars of Outlander Sam and Graham on a road trip with a difference, as two Scotsmen explore a land of raw beauty, poetry, feuding, music, history, and warfare.

Unlikely friends Sam and Graham begin their journey in the heart of Scotland at Glencoe and travel from there all the way to Inverness and Culloden battlefield, where along the way they experience adventure and a cast of highland characters. In this story of friendship, finding themselves, and whisky, they discover the complexity, rich history and culture of their native country.

REVIEW:

I have been a huge fan of the show Outlander.  I have read all the books as well and am currently attempting to reread them again.  They never get old.  I love them just as much the second time as I did the first time.  So when I saw that two of the actors were writing a book I was so excited to read it. I couldn’t wait to read it once I finally got my hands on a copy of the book.

Sam and Graham are both Scots men.  Raised in Scotland.  Their roots go far back in Scottish history.  They met each other on the set of Outlander.  Ultimately Sam’s character ends up killing Graham’s character who happens to be his uncle. If I spoiled it for you, I’m sorry.    Sam came up with an idea to travel around with Graham and visit Scottish sights and taste Scottish food.  Graham tags along and loans his wisdom and knowledge of Scotland to the book.  First off, this book is so good.  The banter that the men have with each other is top-notch.  They bicker like an old married couple.  I would say that you should read this as a companion to the show they did called, Men in Kilts.  The book is basically the show but much more in-depth and lends more information to the things they did. 

The book talks about various things that are Scottish.  From a woman who is making tartans to Scottish Whiskey.  They talk about the clans and the various battles between them.  They visit the castles that are whole as well as ruins.  All the while Sam is trying to get Graham to do various things.  From kayaking to riding a tandem bike, which he sort of does.  In short watch, the show and really read the book it kept me giggling with their banter from beginning to end!

STAR RATING: 5/5

Pick up your copy of Clanlands by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or check your local bookstore. Also add it to your To Reads list on Goodreads and leave feedback for the author when you are finished. Make sure to check out the two authors in their new show Men in Kilts on Starz or in the hit TV show Outlander (seasons now available on Netflix too).

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *