by Jane Sandell

Columba’s Travels: The Seven Sands of Iona

Andrew Symon; Wild Goose Publications

Columba’s Travels  is by  no means a complete account of the saint’s work and life. It gives a flavour of his endeavours to spread the word about Christ, the Son of God, to communities guided by Druids and ruled by all-powerful kings. It takes the form of stories told at Columba’s wake by those who knew him. This device makes it an accessible read for young people daunted by books, as well as for those whose lives are also full of other pastimes.

Andrew Symon’s book is written for upper primary/lower secondary school ages. He has spied a gap in that market and filled it well. The structure means that the book reads like a collection of short stories, linked by the comments made by those at the wake. These stories are grouped into seven parts. Thus, the book can be easily read at different paces by different readers.

Andrew’s prose is extremely readable, flowing easily, and encompassing a variety of subjects. The basic story tells of Columba’s faith and his desire to spread the gospel. But his is a robust faith and character, and he is not afraid to be blunt, direct and confrontational, leading to scenes of adventure and jeopardy. But equally there are gentler accounts of his dealing with individuals. Alongside Columba’s evangelism there are some insights into mid-first-millennium history before Scotland as we know it existed. And as Columba and his fellow missionaries travel north and west, there is description of the countryside they travel across.

I enjoyed Andrew’s book very much, especially as I knew little of the work or life of St Columba. In the course of his storytelling Andrew brings to life these characters from long ago who have made such an indelible mark on Scotland’s history, culture and life.

Jane Sandell is a young people’s book specialist, working to support authors and publishers.

Photo by Caroline Hall on Unsplash