In his last book, ‘Miles Away’, Nick Edmunds , narrated a plot set firmly in the 1970s and happening in his native Scotland. With his second, recently published novel, ‘Ragged Island’, the scene shifts to the broader landscape of the Americas and jumps forward in time to 2030. Apparently, at one point , he thought of abandoning the concept on credibility grounds. Readers will rejoice that he completed this superb, harrowing , mature tale of endangerment and life threatening jeopardy.
It is a gripping parable of our times. Who thought in 2016 that the people of the United States would choose a charalatan business man to be President? Defeated in the next Presidential Election in 2020, he brazenly incited an insurrection to overthrow the result. This is the context and starting-point for Edmunds ‘ captivating novel. The protagonist , Quinn , finds himself caught up in a civil war which followed the overthrow of the elected Government and the fissuring of the states. Forced to flee, he chooses south east towards the Everglades.
Quinn, now a refugee, in modern parlance would be classified ‘migrant’. The mass media and their social account associates have demonised the word and given it overtones of everything that demeans society and community. Edmunds skilfully internalises in Quinn , the terrors and emotions of the refugee; removal from home-place, dangers in the environment, loss of family and employment, surrounded by constant threats . Hiding out in the south east, he is surrounded by alligators. Worth noting that it is here the current 2025 Government has callously selected to build a detention centre for the unwanted refugees of today.
” You can’t mean you’re going to go along with this madman?” , Quinn pleads . He might be talking to NATO leaders vying to outdo the obsequiousness of each other towards the current US administration.
The personification of immigrant emotion and thought in Quinn makes for refreshing reading in this jaundiced age. Edmunds’ writing is deeply provocative and evocative from every perspective. In 2025, children are routinely shot by US allies while queuing for food aid and water. There is little response from Western leaders.
‘Ragged Island’ is totally credible and essential reading.
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