This is a strange book that I possibly would not have read were it not given me because it is based close to where I live.
the writing reminds me of an old folk tale, althought the majority of the language is more modern dispite being first published in 1974. ( )

What an absorbing book! We're given a glimpse of traditional life in the Shetlands from a child's point of view. There is tension between believers in the old myths and the majority who see them as fanciful tales, and a bona fide seal man who comes up from the ocean to win away Robbie's sister, the golden-haired Elspeth. The story never lags and never disappoints. ( )

When I was maybe ten, my father brought this book home along with several others from a graduate class he was taking on children's literature. Of all those, A Stranger Came Ashore and Pinballs are the only ones I recall - and A Stranger Came Ashore is the only one I've re-read regularly since that time.

A bit of a magical, mythical tale, it holds up every time I read it, no matter my age. It's set on Scotland's Shetland islands and is tied to the small community (largely of fishermen) there, and interwoven with Scottish legends.

The mystery here is beautifully done, and this short book manages suspense and creepiness with gorgeous ease. It's easy to love Finn Learson and doubt Robbie - and later, easy to find Finn Learson an incredibly unnerving character.

Overall, the story delivers the right measures of tension and mystery, of possibilities and clues, before leading to an awesome confrontation. I'd recommend this book to anyone! ( )