The Secret History of Here: A Year in the Valley Paperback – August 30, 2022

I have read most of Alistair Moffat's many books, at the least the ones I could order here in the states. All of them well-written and immensely engaging. Most of my family ancestry is Scottish, particularly from the Borders. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book, about a part of Scotland which remains hidden to most people. If you want to learn more about Scotland, look into the history of the Borders and its people. It is a fascinating history and you will certainly learn something new and have a different view of Scotland afterwards.

Outstanding book from a outstanding historian

I LOVE this book -- it fits me like a glove.I am a Californian (native & resident) who fell in Scottish Borders 40 years ago -- and have gone back every couple of years since. Not having been able to visit Scotland for more than 2 years now made this book -- which details so many names, places and much history that I know -- both wonderful and a trigger for my "separation anxiety"! Moffat's prose is "just right." Writing simply, with restraint while still conveying the love and beauty and emotion that he does is extremely difficult. (I know, as I've earned my living as a writer for 40+ years now.)If you have some knowledge of and interest in the archaeology, folklore, anthropology that social history you will appreciate how Moffatt weaves them into this book -- focusing on his "own backyard which he knows so well (his own property and an area within a couple of miles of it).This book is written as a daily diary. The "entries" sparked mostly by thoughts born during or as a result of things he noticed on his daily walks with his dog. Maybe this is often done, I don't know. Surely diaries are nothing new -- but it's a wonderful device for capturing the musings, thoughts and activities of this highly knowledgeable and curious man. I have learned a lot about this area that I dearly love and already knew much about. For example, the fact that Hadrian's Wall was originally white (I've visited it half a dozen time and never knew that!)What's even more beautiful to me than Moffatt's writing is the huge, deep LOVE he has for "his" corner of the world -- and his desire to share it with his readers and future generations.Moffatt's intriguing exploration of the many layers of history and generations of (most "little") people who have known and lived on or near his home does them great honor. I am sending copies of this book to a few friends who, like me and Moffatt, are "of an age" and feeling that it's important record what they know of where they live and its history and people. While it would be hard to match the deep knowledge that Moffatt has or his writing skills, I think that they might find that book and its "diary" framework shows a good way to get started writing down the knowledge they have so it's not lost.

He really is an amazing writer

For anyone, who ponders from time to time on matters beyond the instant, this beautifully written diary sets out within the momentum of time the timelessness of much human experience; the focus on the little, the local and the quite personal nevertheless allowing the reader to travel and participate with the writer on reflections on the richness of life, both simple and complex.

A wonderful read. As a local pad I knew a lot of the places, but still enjoyed looking them up in the map. Alistair takes you on a journey through history, as the year marches on. He so brilliantly paints vivid images of life gone by, while also finding time to discuss the trials of modern life.

The book looked so enticing but it's such hard work. I am 39% through and only ruthless determination not to give up on a book is seing me through.Irritation about the use of statistics was annoying but typical but the continuous and repeated religious dialogue was seriously off-putting.The sections about the farm, the structure, the walks and environment are the best bits.Sorry