Overview

In this medical memoir, Dr Malcolm Alexander leaves suburban Glasgow to become the sole GP on Eday, a small island in Orkney. The book follows his first year there as he and his family settle into island life. He is always on call, dealing with everything from routine check ups to medical emergencies shaped by weather, tides, and long ferry journeys. What quickly becomes clear is that healthcare on Eday is not just about medicine, but about knowing people, earning trust, and being part of the community you serve.

Voice & Atmosphere

We found the tone warm, honest, and quietly funny. Alexander writes in a clear, grounded way that makes even difficult moments easy to follow. The island setting is always present. Wind, storms, darkness, and isolation affect daily life and medical decisions in very real ways. The book captures the pace of island living, where nature often decides what is possible on any given day.

Characters

Alexander comes across as thoughtful and open, willing to admit uncertainty and learn as he goes. His family’s experience of adjusting to island life adds emotional depth. Patients are never treated as case studies. They are farmers, older residents, parents, and neighbours, each with their own histories and worries. Over time, the island itself feels like a character too, demanding respect while offering moments of generosity and beauty.

Themes

At its heart, this book is about care in all its forms. It looks at how medicine works in isolation, how community supports health, and how listening can matter as much as treatment. There is a strong sense of vocation running through the book, and an ongoing question about what it means to truly show up for others, especially when resources are limited.

What Worked

• Real medical stories: everyday cases that show the human side of rural healthcare.
• A vivid setting: Orkney life is woven naturally into every part of the story.
• A steady, compassionate tone: humour and seriousness sit comfortably together.

Minor Quibbles

• The year by year, episode based structure may feel loose if you prefer a strong central storyline.
• Some readers may wish for more clinical detail, though we felt the balance worked well overall.

Final Thoughts

We came away feeling this was a thoughtful and generous account of medicine practiced at the edge, shaped as much by weather and people as by training and tools.

Rating: ★★★★½☆ (4.5/5)