Electric Brae: A Modern Romance was the first novel by Scottish writer Andrew Greig. The title is a reference to Electric Brae in South Ayrshire, where a natural optical illusion makes it seem that things can roll uphill.[1]

Electric Brae: A Modern Romance
First edition
AuthorAndrew Greig
LanguageEnglish
GenreNovel
PublisherCanongate
Publication date
1992
Publication placeScotland
Media typePrint (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages320 pp
ISBN0-571-21285-9
OCLC48236280

Plot summary

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Jimmy Renilson is an engineer aboard a North Sea oil rig, who divides his time between his affair with temperamental artist Kim Russell (born Ruslawska) and rock climbing. The narrative describes Jimmy's stormy relationship with Kim, and events affecting their circle of friends, especially Jimmy's climbing friend Graeme and his bisexual partner Lesley. Set in various parts of Scotland, especially Orkney, the book describes the two men's ambition to climb the Old Man of Hoy.

The main story is framed in a memory game Jimmy is playing with Kim's daughter.

The author has described the book as 'a modern romance without heather or hardmen'. It was shortlisted for the McVitie's Prize for Scottish Writer of the Year.

References

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  1. ^ Alexander, Marc (2002) A Companion to the Folklore, Myths & Customs of Britain, Sutton Publishing, p.84
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