Abstract
Authors/editors: Tamsin Calidas
Year of publication: 2020
ISBN number: 9780857526656
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How would you rate this book? (5 star means excellent book useful for all GPs in training – a must have item; 1 star means poor book that you would not buy yourself)
What is good about this book?
Tamsin Calidas delivers a compelling account of her journey, from having it all in London, to losing everything in the rural Scottish Hebrides – including difficult encounters with hostile locals, deepening depression and an attempt to end her life. She describes in great detail the harsh but beautiful landscape of the remote Scottish Islands, which can act as a siren call to weary city dwellers. Her story reminded me of my experience moving to rural Wales for the very first time.
Like many from a big city, I harbored illusions of the romantic country life – beautiful landscapes to explore, a close-knit community of friendly locals and the opportunity to practice ‘real’ medicine. In short, a carefree life with low-cost living; what’s not to love? Only a fool would remain in the stressful and shallow big city – or so I thought. Unfortunately, the illusions of country life are just that – illusions. Moving to a rural and homogenous population as an outsider can be challenging. Besides new clinical challenges, one has to deal with isolation and prejudice on a frequent basis.
This book is great for doctors thinking of moving to an unfamiliar rural setting for greener pastures or even just a change of scenery. Through the author’s initial naivety and misfortunes, this book encourages readers to consider the psychosocial aspects of moving to a geographically isolated location with few social networks. Numerous intangible costs may not be obvious when one is enthralled by the siren song of the beautiful rural landscape. Caveat emptor applies.
What is bad about this book?
When it was first published, the book caused controversy among locals living in the unnamed Scottish island for its depiction of certain unsavoury characters. Reading this book, having been through a similar experience, can cut close to home and reopen old wounds. While I reminisced on wonderful memories of beautiful landscapes in rural Wales, I was also reminded of the occasional prejudice I endured as an outsider from an ethnic minority, trying to fit in. It felt bitter–sweet but ultimately reminded me of the importance of being grounded when making such life-altering decisions that may have lasting effects on one’s emotional and psychological outlook.
ORCID iD
Ernest Wong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6606-1522