If you are looking for a light-hearted and entertaining read in intermediate, learner-supported Gaelic, you might want to check out “Cleasan a’ Bhaile Mhòir” by Catriona Lexy Caimbell.
The novel, which translates as “Tricks of the Big City”, follows the adventures of Jessie, an aspiring actress who moves to London to pursue her dream of becoming a star. However, she soon finds out that the city is not as glamorous as she imagined, and she has to work in a hotel to make ends meet. With the help of her friend Curtis, she comes up with a novel way of using her acting skills for profit: she creates imaginative scenarios for her clients, who need her help to get out of sticky situations in their lives. For example, she pretends to be a long-lost cousin, a jealous ex-girlfriend, or a mysterious stranger, depending on what her clients need. Along the way, she meets interesting characters and faces unexpected challenges, while also developing a tender and understated love story.
The novel is written in a witty and engaging style, with vivid descriptions and humorous dialogues. The author, Catriona Lexy Caimbell, is a well-known writer, actor, and dramatist in the Gaelic world. She is well-steeped in the contemporary Gaelic wolrd; born in 1982 in Ness, Lewis, into a literary family, her father, Tormod Caimbeul, and her uncle, Alasdair Caimbeul, are both published writers in Gaelic, as well as her grandfather and great-uncle. Her mother, Mary Jane Campbell, is a Gaelic traditional singer. Caimbell studied at the University of Edinburgh and worked as a theatre artist and tutor in Gaelic drama. She was the first Gaelic Associate Artist with the National Theatre of Scotland in 2011 and the Writer in Residence at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in 2013. She has written several novels, children’s books, stage plays, and radio plays in Gaelic. She has also directed and acted in short films and documentaries.
Caimbell’s novel “Cleasan a’ Bhaile Mhòir” is one of the few contemporary novels written in Gaelic that is set in London. It explores the themes of identity, culture, and belonging in a multicultural and cosmopolitan context. It also reflects on the challenges and opportunities that young Gaelic speakers face in the modern world. The novel is suitable for readers who have an intermediate or advanced level of Gaelic proficiency. It is also a good choice for learners who want to improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills while enjoying a fun and captivating story.
As an intermediate learner of Gaelic, I really enjoyed “Cleasan a’ Bhaile Mhòir” by Catriona Lexy Caimbell as it felt modern, relevant and a really up-to-date way to experience the modern language in use. If you have read the novel yourself, or are planning to read it some time soon, please share your thoughts and comments below!