Certainly, Robertson writes with a focused historian's vision: The Fanatic's main subject is the intractable, often bewildering religious disputes of the 17th century (mixed with a dash of modern-day Edinburgh, with all its tourist and students and flakes). And the author, though he's an accesible writer, does not dumb down for his readers

But this novel is also about a time when committing to a cause meant something, and when the stakes of standing up for a belief were so much higher than today. The phrase "sticking your neck out" doesn't come from nowhere...

Top class. I'm on tenterhooks for the sequel


I wish I'd never bought it   November 20, 2001
 5 out of 17 found this review helpful

This has to be one of the most indecipherable books I have ever had the misfortune to read. Carefully picking out the story from pages of historical Scottish dialect, juxtaposed with the psychotic ravings of a 21st century bedsit dewller, was almost more than I could bear. Only for those who feel deeply enough about Scottish history to rate themselves in the same category as the title, which, unfortunately, wasn't me.


Naw bad - but doesn't add up to the sum of its parts   September 12, 2001
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

James Robertsons novel weaves together (not entirely convincingly) stories set in Edinburgh in 1990s and the 1670s. The novel deals with little discussed aspect of Scottish history and juxtaposes it with modern day events, most specifically the 1997 General election.

The historical aspects of the novel are well done dramatic but at the same time credible - you believe that what you are reading is close to the truth. However the more current storyline is thin and seems a little forced in its symbolism.

While the historical characters really come to life only one of the modern characters is more than paper thin.

All in all a decent, entertaining and informative read, but be prepared for loats aw brawd Scots dialekt!


and if you know your history...............   July 12, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

If you're into history and know the landscape and past of Edinburgh/Scotland then you'll really take to this book. He captures the present day Edinburgh very well and (although I wasn't there at the time!) convinced me of the harsh realities of the Tolbooth Prison and the Bass Rock a few centuries ago. The portrayal of life in Edinburgh then and now will strike a chord with anyone who has sympathy for those living on the outer edge of society.