Book Review: The Far Side of the Loch

The Far Side of the Loch

written by Melissa Wiley

256 pages, children's fiction
published in 2000

The Far Side of the Loch is the second in a series about Martha Morse, great-grandmother to Laura Ingalls Wilder. This series tells Martha's childhood story, in much the same way that Laura's childhood is vividly chronicled in the popular Little House books.

Martha is a Scottish lass, through and through. She loves her family's Stone House and the sweet country life found in Glencaraid. Martha is the laird's daughter, and uses the entire valley village for her playground. Across the loch someone special is moving in, to a house long abandoned. What joys and triumphs (and perhaps near-disasters) that this news brings to the Morse family.

My favorite parts of the story had to do with the new critter in Martha's life. As she calls it, a hedger! They are so cute, and actually helpful around the house. After reading about Martha's experience with a hedgehog, I'd love one for my own self.

With a wild imagination, the young character of Martha brings the story to life. She has a few so-crazy-it-just-might-work schemes. (It may or may not have actually worked.) -- But she's a fun girl to read about.

Recommended for young readers, or for a family read-aloud.