As a lover of Scotland, I was eager to review this arc from Margot Livesey. It's an easy read, and pulls you into the story easily. I did find it difficult at times to discern where the story was headed, but found it entertaining nonetheless. Lizzie has a gift to see "pictures" of things that eventually come true, and has learned not to share that gift with others for fear of the how she may be portrayed. Although she can see the future, she finds that she can't seem to change what happens. However, when Louis enters her life, she finds herself in circumstances in which her gift may give her a second chance. Thanks so much to Margot Livesey, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-arc!

Overall thought this novel was sweet and kept my interest. However I feel like falsely advertised as more magic/fantasy when really her second sight ability is never discussed or explained, just used as a device to move the plot sometimes nonsensically.

"The Road from Belhaven" is a novel that made me feel warm and cozy, as if I was wrapped in a blanket next to a cozy fire in a beautiful library. The author's detailed descriptions of nature made me feel like I was on the farm, and I was impressed with her ability to capture the setting of 17th-century Scotland so deftly. Although I'm not usually a fan of period pieces, this book kept my attention with its gentle characters and lush descriptions. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction, period pieces, and quiet novels.

The Road from Belhaven
By Margot Livesey

The story takes place in Scotland at a time when train travel was prevalent – and yet people living in small towns and villages had little knowledge of what life in cities like Glasgow was like.

This is the story of Lizzie Craig, an orphaned child brought up on a farm by her grandparents, Flora and Rab. She was truly "farm girl"; she learned all there was to know about handling livestock and growing grains and vegetables. She worked hard and grew strong.

At the age of 12, she finds that she has on older sister, Kate, that she never knew about. Due to the death of Kate's paternal grandmother, Kate is forced to come live on the farm.

This was an age where girls were expected to be "good" and girls pregnant out of wedlock were considered "fallen". Needless to say, life changes for both sisters as each, in her own way, becomes a fallen woman.

But this is truly Lizzie's story. It deals with her trials and tribulations, her bad choices and her friends who helped her. And ultimately it's the story of Lizzie's redemption and her recognition of what love really means.

This is an interesting book. Not a heavy duty read, but entertaining just the same.

A really lovely book that tells the story of Lizzie and her life as she grows up. The magic element - her sight - flutters in and out of the tale with the story really being about a young girl becoming a woman and making some truly awful decisions as she tries to figure things out (sadly this comes at a cost not only to herself but several people around her). It's really well written and at times infuriating but an easy, moving read

Some books are easy to read and engage you from the first page, The Road from Belhaven is one of those books.
Lizzie’ story and it’s cast of characters is a wonderful tale of hope, charm with a touch of magic. I found myself annoyed by her and at the same time liking her as her life reveals sadness and optimism.
A very enjoyable historical novel which I won’t hesitate to recommend.

The Road from Belhaven

I try to make one January read a classic, usually by Montgomery or Alcott. This novel fulfilled that idea and reshaped it, creating a story with both a classic and modern feel even though it exists in 1890s Scottish Highlands.

The Road to Belhaven tells the story of Lizzie Craig from orphan to woman. Her story is far from idealistic because Lizzie is flawed. She’s also clairvoyant, the latest in a family of seers. Her “pictures” as Lizzie calls them, never bring good fortune. They detail a horse faltering, or someone attacked by bees. This affects not only Lizzie but those aroubd her.

Lizzie’s life is surrounded by secrets. Her unknown older sister Kate comes to live with Lizzie and her grandparents. As we all know, those raised on secrets create their own. As she matures, Lizzie finds herself in situations requiring a great deal of secrecy.

Even though Lizzie isn’t an ingenue, you cannot help but root for her. She finds herself eventually torn in two, choosing between the life of the farm and a bigger life in Glascow. Both locations have their assets and deficiencies and the choice almost rips Lizzie apart. More importantly - either choice has consequences.

Even though Lizzie is thought by others to be irresponsible, I see her as just the opposite. She may lose her way from time to time, but her moral core leads her down her right path in the end.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amount of new knowledge this book brought to me personally. From several new Scottish words I didn’t know to the description of several customs, I did learn a great deal. Reading this over the holiday season while reading my first description of First Footing was a happy coincidence.

I greatly enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading other novels in Livesey’s nine book back catalogue.

The Road from Belhaven by, Margot Livesey is a marvelous book. The story is engaging, and I found myself invested in the well rounded protagonist and her life. This novel is well written and a pleasure to read.

I'm a Margot Livesey fan so I had high expectations for this book, and it didn't disappoint. It took a while to get going, beyond the basic stage setting of the first few chapters. The early part of the main character's life does go on for some time without a tremendous amount happening. This serves the story well later on, when her relationships with these other characters are challenged and the reader can understand the import of this. But the slow pace may turn some readers off. The second half of the novel felt quite different and it's basically a page turner by the end. A beautiful and enjoyable read overall.

Enjoyable book about living on a farm in Scotland about the turn of the century, but wanting more. This book would appeal to fans of Catherine Cookson.

I really wanted to love this book -- which is a coming-of-age story set in Scotland. However, the characters weren't particularly likeable and I found the plot predictable.

If you have never read anything by Margot Livesey, I am jealous. I can honestly say that I love every book she has written and I was delighted to have the chance to read an advance of her newest book, thanks to NetGalley. I consider The Flight of Gemma Hardy to be one of my favorite books - and I have read all of Livesey's other books, though many are not noted on GoodReads since they pre-date it. Maybe I will revisit her backlist!

This book was wonderful, about a girl living in Scotland in the late 1800's who has the gift of "second sight", seeing snapshots of the future. It was a quiet book, but I found myself gasping at times. Loved every bit.

This is a story of Lizzie. It follows her from her early teens into young adulthood. She grows up on a farm under the loving care of her grandparents, Rab and Flora. Rab is old, set in his ways and resistant to new ideas. The farm is barely holding its head above water. Lizzie flourishes. She is industrious, a good student, a talented artist and either blessed or cursed (depending on how you look at it) with second sight. One day Louis arrives at the farm to help with the harvest and Lizzie falls for him and his charming ways.
I loved the setting of this novel in Victorian era Scotland. Life was difficult and challenging for many, but they worked hard and loved deeply. Lizzie is a great character so fully developed as to almost seem real. The supporting cast is wonderful too. I think it’s a coming-of-age story about family and figuring out which path you’ll take in life. 4.25 stars

Margot Livesey is the perfect author to write stories that show the frailties and strengths of women. Whether we totally understand the dynamic of the historic period within which she has set her tale, the reader always walks away thinking often about her depictions of the people and their time. Her characters in "The Road From Belhaven" felt real and their circumstances true. I say this because in this wonderful coming of age, multi-generational story, the gift of *second sight* plays a pivotal part of the novel as a whole. Magical realism is a story element that I embrace wholeheartedly, however when done by a skilled author the *magical* part fades into the background. With Livesay's skilled touch, there need be no suspension of belief applied by the reader as you lose yourself in the lives of her characters.

I thoroughly recommend this novel and am grateful for the advanced copy given to me by the publisher and NetGalley. This novel has a publish date of February 6, 2024.

#theroadfrombelhaven
#margotlivesay
#netgalley
#comingofage
#secondsight

"From the New York Times best-selling author of The Flight of Gemma Hardy, a novel about a young woman whose gift of second sight complicates her coming of age in late-nineteenth-century Scotland.

Growing up in the care of her grandparents on Belhaven Farm, Lizzie Craig discovers as a small child that she can see into the future. But her gift is selective - she doesn't, for instance, see that she has an older sister who will come to join the family. As her "pictures" foretell various incidents and accidents, she begins to realize a painful truth: she may glimpse the future, but she can seldom change it.

Nor can Lizzie change the feelings that come when a young man named Louis, visiting Belhaven for the harvest, begins to court her. Why have the adults around her not revealed that the touch of a hand can change everything? After following Louis to Glasgow, though, she learns the limits of his devotion. Faced with a seemingly impossible choice, she makes a terrible mistake. But her second sight may allow her a second chance."

I'm all about second sight and it's complications.

The Road from Belhaven is a novel about a woman trying to find her place in the world among the technological and other changes. While the blurb suggested a strong supernatural element, that is actually not very present, and the story focuses more on a historical-fiction approach. I didn't find any of the characters particularly interesting or deep, and the story itself is predictable.

I'd like to give this a 3.5 . The title of the book attracted to me as well as the setting and time period. It's about a young lady living with her grandparents and having the gift of seeing into the future. I found the read a little slow going, but I still enjoyed it. It's about finding love, living with making wrong choices, finding forgiveness, and a second chance at love. Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC.

A lovely, quiet book about a girl growing up on her grandparents farm in rural Scotland. She has the gift of second sight so she can see into the future but can’t change it.

A Unique Blend of Historical Fiction and Coming-of-Age, Though with Waning Appeal

Rating: 3/5

Margot Livesey's "The Road from Belhaven" offers a refreshing departure for readers exploring late-nineteenth-century Scotland through the lens of historical fiction. The novel weaves together elements of coming-of-age, a touch of magic, and a distinctive setting, providing a unique reading experience for those seeking a departure from more conventional narratives.

The late-nineteenth-century Scottish backdrop adds a layer of charm and authenticity to the story, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere. Livesey's attention to historical detail shines through, capturing the nuances of the time period and bringing the setting to life. Readers who appreciate historical fiction will find themselves transported to a world that is both enchanting and rich in cultural texture.

The coming-of-age theme, coupled with a hint of magic, adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative. The protagonist's prophetic sight introduces an element of mystique, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the ordinary intertwines with the extraordinary. This blending of the fantastical with the historical creates a compelling backdrop for the protagonist's journey of self-discovery.

However, the novel faces challenges in maintaining the reader's investment in the protagonist's journey. While the initial allure of the character and her unique abilities captivates, there is a noticeable decline in interest as the story progresses. The prophetic sight, which initially promises intrigue, fails to significantly contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist's likability also suffers, making it difficult for readers to fully empathize with her struggles and triumphs.

The ending of the book further complicates the overall reading experience. Instead of providing a satisfying conclusion, it leaves the narrative feeling unfinished and lacking resolution. The loose ends and unanswered questions may leave readers yearning for a more conclusive and gratifying ending to the protagonist's journey.

Despite these shortcomings, "The Road from Belhaven" may find a more receptive audience among readers with a specific appreciation for the blend of historical fiction, coming-of-age tales, and a touch of magic. For those who resonate with the unique elements of the story, the novel may offer a more fulfilling reading experience. Ultimately, while the novel has its merits, its appeal may be subjective, with individual readers finding varying levels of satisfaction in the protagonist's journey.

First, thanks to Netgalley and Alfred A. Knopf Books for the free e-book in exchange for my unfettered opinion.

I've enjoyed and admired Margot Livesay's work since I read Eva Moves the Furniture, so it was a special treat to return to Livesay's Scotland. In the Acknowledgements, Livesay says that Eva Moves the Furniture "contained almost everything I knew about my mother, Eva McEwen and her gift of second sight." Since that book, Livesay has connected with additional family that she did not know she had, learning more about her extended family; this story, might well be the story of her great-great grandmother.

SPOILER ALERT >> in recounting the plot, I may be giving away the story, reader beware.



Orphaned Lizzie Craig lives on the family farm –– Belhaven –– with her grandparents. At age ten, she has her first precognitive vision, but in rural Scotland in the 1880's, she knows better than to talk about it. Times are hard enough on the farm. Her visions help her save the farm hand, but cannot keep her favorite horse from death.

When her grandparents reveal that Lizzie has an older sister, the world shifts: instead of knowing her future at the owner of Belhaven, Lizzie discovers that her position is a precarious one. Her older sister, a city girl, has an ambitious boyfriend who likes the look of Belhaven.

Lizzie impulsively quits school at 14, and goes into service in Glasgow, where she predictably makes a few poor decisions and makes a few good friends, and by age 18, she has returned to Belhaven in disgrace, and then, even more disgracefully, she bounces back to Glasgow. A vision of her daughter in peril sends Lizzie on one last impulsive journey, bringing the narrative to a satisfying close where all ends well.

Livesay creates characters with believable flaws: a dreadful temper, grudge-holding, selfishness, but then shows us their silver linings: the stubbornness of hope and love, the ability to sacrifice for others, the willingness to become better people. Combined with a brilliant sense of place and historical setting, the characters bloom into life. What a compassionate writer Livesay is, and how enjoyable this novel is!