Shortbread Short Stories : Either by Gordon Sturrock

William Thomson
Editor Review

Editor's Pick ›

‘Either’ is the moving account of a woman’s life written by her for her son as he is about to be called up to serve in the last year of the Second World War.

Either is her nickname and the story starts with her father, a Surgeon Commander, retiring from the Navy, and describes the gloriously unrestricted childhood which she shared with her twin in the wilds of Sutherland. The account continues through her University life, her career as a sculptress and her various affairs until she meets the love of her life.

Beautifully written, Gordon delicately conveys with carefully chosen words the progress of her life, the choices she has made and the uncompromising strength of her love for her only child. This unsentimental but deeply moving story also provides a timely reminder of the enormous strain placed on the families of soldiers serving on the frontline.