Andrew Ritchie

My father grew up in the area of North East Scotland where Behold Thy Daughter is set and it was his favourite book so it has long been on my to read list. I’m aware that my personal connection could lead me to a bias in reviewing this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it, far more than I expected. The rags to riches of Thirza Gare as she navigates a transition through different social classes is a joy to read, Thirza is a strong willed girl who becomes an ambitious and successful woman despite many challenges. As you’d expect there are many trials and tribulations and Neil Patterson has written a beautiful story around the central character. Set in the 1840s – 60s it is a period of time I always enjoy reading about and I certainly learned something about Scotland and it’s fishing industry at the time. I highly recommend Behold Thy Daughter, it is a wonderful novel.