Lyre Dancers

Mandy Haggith lives in Assynt in the northwest Highlands of Scotland, where she combines writing with sailing, environmental activism and teaching - she is a lecturer in literature and creative writing at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Her first novel, The Last Bear, won the Robin Jenkins Literary Award for environmental writing in 2009. The Lyre Dancers is her fifth novel and the third in the Stone Stories trilogy, which began with The Walrus Mutterer (2018), longlisted for the Highland Book Prize, and continued with The Amber Seeker (2019). Mandy is also the author of three poetry collections, a non-fiction book and numerous essays, and the editor of a poetry anthology.

"Convincing, provocative … evoked with lyrical detail … triumphantly draws together all the threads … while successfully eluding any simplistic resolution." Margaret Elphinstone, Northwords Now; “A beautifully woven conclusion to a fascinating trilogy of ancient adventures … Haggith has worked to extensive lengths to breathe life into an age that has long been forgotten … she approaches [the] story with eloquence that makes the reading itself an adventure of its own.” Charlie Ceats, Cultured Vultures; Praise for earlier work: "Beautifully written, this novel is a moving and at times, shocking confession of a man tormented by love, loss, guilt and regret, the author's meticulous research shines from every page." Editor's choice, Historical Novels Review, August 2019; "Haggith writes fluently and with the light of her research into this period leading her imagination there is a whole new experience for the reader ... There is much to enjoy and learn in this novel [which] has a universal resonance and draws parallels with modern life." Tony Michaels, The Wee Review; "A compelling tale of endeavour, bravery and human frailty ... The story is visceral and visual, crafted with a lyrical prose." Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week; "Brave and fascinating ... asks questions about the nature of truth, perspective, and the power of the narrator to influence where readers' sympathies lie." Alistair Braidwood, Scots Whay Hae; "An epic tale of adventure, The Amber Seeker is a gem of historical fiction, written with elegant language and telling an emotional story of seeking knowledge in the name of glory." Cultured Vultures; "Exquisite ... The Iron Age landscape comes to life with a colourful brilliance and the long sea voyages are by turns magical and terrifying." Undiscovered Scotland; "Marries great storytelling and convincing research ... Haggith invites the reader to explore a strange world and far-distant time, and the voyage on which she takes the reader is always interesting, sometimes enthralling." Allan Massie, The Scotsman; "Haggith's woman's eye view of the Iron Age feels fresh and distinctive." Sunday Herald; "An ambitious and imaginative novel ... believable and compelling." Jane Bradley, Scotsman; "Vivid, memorable and utterly compelling." Helen Sedgwick; "A gripping, haunting, visceral novel... Lyrical and poetic prose, the author has created a convincing and entirely believable world... One of the best books I have read so far this year." Historical Novels Review (Editors' Choice); "An immersive evocation of ancient folklore and ritual, this novel's characterisation and fast pace make it a real page-turner which will keep you hooked." Scottish Field