Scottish book of the week

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder.

I can’t help but think of this sentiment more than ever as I pine for Dundee like a lovesick teenager after reading this week’s book, Secret Dundee by Gregor Stewart.

I left Dundee a few years ago after spending four wonderful years there as a student.

I will always hold a soft spot for this fine city and I thought I knew it pretty well, but the city is always full of surprises.

In Secret Dundee, Stewart unveils some of these in his historical study of the city’s past.

It is an ode to the murky, overlooked history of the city, examining its origins from the Pictish period all the way up to its modern-day transformation.

There are witch trails, the escapades of a certain William Wallace and an examination of its industrial growth, all of which make for a very interesting read.

Stewart dives into the hidden past of Dundee, and in doing so, captures the excitement and mystery which continues to feed the spirit and culture of the city.

It makes for an intriguing and thrilling read, which I found to be extremely informing as it picks up on inconspicuous spots that one can wander past on a daily basis without so much as a second glance, but in reality hold significant historical relevance.

It is definitely a book that will make you stop and reflect on the sights and places that exist right on your doorstep.

It is a very concise historical investigation, which is not necessarily a bad thing as it makes for easy reading without being bogged down by too many facts and figures.

It would have been even more insightful if parts of the study had been a bit more in-depth, but this does not take away from the enjoyment of the book.

Stephen Fry once declared Dundee to be a dramatic place to visit and I believe Secret Dundee is further testimony to that.