Whisky Galore: Compton Mackenzie's comic masterpiece

World War II has brought rationing to the Hebridean islands of Great and Little Todday. When food is in short supply, it is bad enough, but when the whisky runs out, it looks as though the end of the world has come. George Campbell needs the courage to stand up to his mother and marry Catriona. The priest, the doctor and, of course, the inn’s landlord are also victims of the low morale. There’s no conversation, no jollity, and no fun until a shipwreck off the coast brings a piece of extraordinary good fortune. Originally published in 1947 and adapted to film in 1949, this novel is based on a true event in the Scottish Hebrides and continues to be an entertaining insight into island culture through its lively characters.