Overview

Grimoire is a collection of poems and short prose pieces rooted in folklore, superstition, and the natural world. Moving through Scottish coastlines, islands, and wild ground, Robin Robertson draws on old stories, beliefs, and voices. The book feels like a gathering of spells, memories, and half remembered tales, where the past presses closely against the present.

Writing & Voice

We found Robertson’s writing rich and carefully shaped, but also demanding. The language is tight and musical, with a strong sense of rhythm. Each piece feels deliberate, asking the reader to slow down and listen. This is writing that rewards attention rather than rushing.

Characters

The book is filled with voices rather than traditional characters. Fishermen, witches, wanderers, spirits, and unnamed speakers drift in and out. Even when figures are only briefly sketched, they feel rooted in place and experience. The human and the supernatural sit side by side, often indistinguishable.

Themes

Grimoire explores memory, transformation, loss, and the persistence of myth. It looks at how stories are passed down, how landscapes hold history, and how old fears still surface in modern life. We felt the book is deeply concerned with what we inherit, whether through land, language, or belief.

What Worked

• Powerful imagery the landscapes and figures linger long after reading.
• Strong sense of tradition folklore and myth are woven naturally into the work.
• Distinct voice the language is confident and unmistakably its own.

Minor Quibbles

• Some pieces are dense and may take several readings to fully settle.
• The tone is consistently dark, which may feel heavy for readers seeking contrast.

Final Thoughts

Grimoire is an intense and absorbing collection that treats language as something powerful and dangerous, rooted in land, memory, and old belief.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5