Fictional accounts of real people are really hard to write. There have been few that I've read where I feel that the author does the history justice; the true curse of the history major. My matrilineal descent stems from Edinburgh so I've long been fascinated with its history. This novel is an excellent demonstration of what a well researched book can be. The explanation and portrayal of Scottish culture, the dynamic and enigmatic personality of Thomas Aikenhead, the general uncertainty of whether or not his death was justified, these are only a handful of reasons to love this book. Even in a modern setting the fear and utter hatred that was felt for him and by him, the zeal for knowledge and the almost addictive need he had for it still feel every bit as real now as they must have back then. ( )

Unspeakable by Dilys Rose is a novel taking place in 17th Century Scotland. Ms. Rose is a famous, and prolific Scottish author, this is the first book I read which she wrote.

Thomas Aikenhead lived in Scotland his whole life, he was a bright student who loved his country, family and religion. Thomas though had an enemy, a childhood bully, who tried to get him in trouble for blasphemy, but got Thomas executed instead.

This book is based on the true story of the protagonist. He was the last person in Scotland (and Britain) to be executed for blasphemy.

“The preachers who were the poor boy’s murderers crowded round him at the gallows, and… insulted heaven with prayers more blasphemous than anything he had uttered.”
– Sir Thomas James Babington Macaulay, Baron of Rothley

Something drew me to Unspeakable by Dilys Rose, the subject matter was fascinating and I felt that I could learn a thing or two while being entertained. But what really prompted me to read this book was the dialogue.

Ms. Rose wrote a beautiful book about the fictional life of the very real Thomas Aikenhead (ache-in-head). The author captures the time when a loose tongue and disrespect of men (and only men) of the cloth would land one in a heap of trouble.

This is a fascinating chapter (or maybe it is just a footnote?) in Scottish history. The people and places come to life, the Scottish culture written about is utterly fascinating, and the story is engaging.

For me, the star of the narrative was the dialogue. Ms. Rose wrote the dialogue in Scottish accent, which at first was tough to read but the more I deciphered it the more I enjoyed reading it.
The secret: try to say the dialogue out loud, even if it’s just a whisper – you’ll immediately gain the pleasure of discovery, almost like solving a simple puzzle and getting that rush of simple amusement.

This is an interesting, well written book. The author makes you feel as if you are part of the story and has taken you with her to old Scotland.

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