Two men seeking their fortunes in London cannot escape their Scottish village roots in a novel by the author of The Brow of the Gallowgate. Alistair Ritchie and Dougal Finnie have grown up in one of the most scenic villages in Scotland, but as they now have a desire to see the world, there is nothing to keep them there; not even Lexie Fraser, who's been chasing Ally since they were fourteen. Lexie has troubles of her own: a sick mother and a missing father, his disappearance a complete mystery. She'd like nothing better than to cling to Ally, which just makes him more determined to break free. Though they embark for far off London, the lads are not destined to stay away forever. As their lives evolve through marriage, fatherhood and war, they discover that London is no place for young wives and children. Where in the world could be safer than the north of Scotland, the Back of Beyond? And what will their city-raised families make of their humble new home; and the past that still lingers?

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