Between Ourselves

Intimate stories of connection, friendship, and the bonds that hold us together.

For readers seeking personal narratives about relationships and human connection.

About the Ebook

The six months that Robert Burns spent in Edinburgh, between the Aryshire years and the short-lived maturity in Dumfries, were an intense time in the life of a poet who became a Scottish hero. Burns is an icon, but he is a flawed one. The great bard was fond of drink, women and over familiar with Edinburgh's underworld. He was often conflicted with crippling self-doubt about his talents and bitter about his place in society. Duringhis short time in Edinburgh, Burns had dealings with the infamous Deacon Brodie; was struck by inspiration and failed by his muse; and, fell in love with two unavailable women and bedded many more than that. While never straying from accepted Burns' history, this remarkable novel imagines the life of Burns' in those months to discover the flesh and blood man behind the legend. BACK COVER Among the dirt and smoke of 18th century Edinburgh, the great poet ponders his next move. Frustrated with the Edinburgh literati and the tight purse of his publisher, Burns finds distraction in the capital's dark underbelly. Midnight assignations with working girls and bawdy rhymes for his tavern friends are interupted when he is unexpectedly called to a mysterious meeting with a dangerous man. But then Burns falls in love, perhaps the only real love in a lifetime of casual romances, with beautiful Nancy, the inspiration for 'Ae Fond Kiss'. Donald Smith has woven the real life love affair of Nancy and Burns into a tantalising tale of passion and betrayal, binding historical fact and fiction together to create an intimate portrait of Burns the man.

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Authentic Scottish voices and captivating narratives.
• Rich cultural heritage woven throughout every page.
• Published by Luath Press, Scotland's leading independent publisher.
• Instantly accessible through The Grey Hill App.

About the Author

DONALD SMITH is a renowned storyteller, founding Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and an experienced playwright and theatre producer. He was also a founding Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, for which he campaigned over a decade. Born in Glasgow of Irish parentage, Donald Smith was brought up in Scotland, immersed in its artistic and cultural life. Smith’s non-fiction includes Storytelling Scotland: A Nation in Narrative, God, the Poet and the Devil: Robert Burns and Religion and Arthur’s Seat: Journeys and Evocations, co-authored with Stuart McHardy. His Freedom and Faithprovides an insightful longterm perspective on the ongoing Independence debate, while Pilgrim Guide to Scotland recovers the nation’s sacred geography. Donald Smith is currently Director of Tracs (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), based at the Storytelling Centre.

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: 22 July 2013

Print Length: 192 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781909912045

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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