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Orion Publishing, August 2006
Reviewed by Sally Roddom
In REBUS'S SCOTLAND, Ian Rankin reveals the Scotland that is rarely seen
by tourists, and can only be guessed at by fans of his Inspector Rebus
novels. Rankin takes readers into the places that inspired the settings
for the Rebus novels and reveals the story of Rebus, how he came into
being, who he is, and what his Scotland is like. REBUS'S SCOTLAND also
explores Rankin’s own life; and explains that so much of his childhood,
and life experiences, are captured in the Rebus novels. His pet tortoise,
first car crash and the assorted relatives all appear in the books. Rankin
also spells out which Rebus plots are not parts of Rankin’s private life.
Using large quantities of extracts from his various books, nothing is left
out in order to get his point of view across. Rankin discusses music,
sport, politics, religious bigotry and pub culture. Rankin explains how
his work evolved, how he came to use real places rather than the fictional
places he originally planned. He also exposes the personal inspiration for
various plots.
Accompanying the memoir are over 100 evocative photographs, taken by the
same duo of Tricia Malley and Ross Gillespie who take the cover photos for
the Rebus novels. They are moody, cold and haunting and make great impact
by emphasising the mood of Rebus’s Scotland. They are a perfect background
for the book.
For those readers who enjoy discovering rather more about their favourite
authors than is available in their fiction, this coffee table book,
REBUS’S SCOTLAND, will prove a welcome addition.
Aug 2006 review originally published on Murder & Mayhem
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