This is a book I have been looking for for a long time and Meg Henderson tells it like it was at that terrible time in the history of Clydebank and the surrouding area that was involved in the Blitz. My family lived in Dalmuir (which is the town just next to Clydebank) at the time and the opposite end of the tenament we lived in was bombed, one of my sisters was in the ARP which helped in rescuing the victims of the Holy City. My family moved to Clydebank after the war so I can relate to all the areas mentioned in the book. It is just pure nostalgia to me. My brother who lives in the Glasgow area just read it and like me just loved this fabulous book.

This book made me laugh, cry and get angry. I was born in Glasgow and grew up in New Zealand from the age of nine years onwards. My grandfather, father and uncles worked in the shipyards, and I heard the stories Meg Henderson tells from when I was young. "The Holy City" filled in spaces in my knowledge and satisfied my curiosity about some of my roots. Apart from that, I so admired Marion Kate MacLeod as a character. She was absolutely believable - I know Scottish women just like her - and I was engrossed in the story at every opportunity because I wanted to know what happened to her. Because I was born in Glasgow, I had no trouble understanding the dialogue. However, I could see it being a stumbling block to non-Scottish readers. I would urge those readers to persevere. It is worth the effort.

My first time using Amazon for a book but they came through for me.What can I say about this book.I was born in Clydebank in 49,a little after this story is staged and fortunately ,after the war.If you,re Scottish and especially a Bankie,you have to read this book.The blitzed buildings were still in existance when I was still at school in 62.My parents and relatives lived in the Holy City.I know these people.I know there names and the streets they lived in.I too ended up in the Fifley.I knew the Boyles and the Rocks.I,m a Bankie and proud of it.I got this book 3 days ago and I couldn,t put it down.I laughed and cried at some of the things in it,Mostly I cried.I highly recommend it.You might have a problem with the Scots writing at times but persevere.This is a CLASSIC.Ray Hood.Aye A Bankie

A friend gave this to me and I did not expect it to be so wonderfully wonderful! It taught a bit about Scottish history and local islanders treated 'outboarders' (orphan children sent to live with strangers - some got love, some got slave labour). It also showed me how army deserters were treated in the war when they were not actual deserters but mentally and emotionally wounded who simply 'freaked out'.
I loved the style of writing and it was easy to read and I got through it in one weekend (could not put it down!). Highly recommend.

Meg Henderson has the knack of being able to bring the Glaswegian character to life. And in Chasing Angels she achieves this yet again. In Chasing Angels we have the hustle & bustle of Paddy's Markets contrasted admirably with the serenity & tranquility of the Scottish Highlands. The characters are strong, the storyline is excellent. The dramatically different settings provide stimulating reading which add richness and fulfillment to the depth of the characters which have become 'friends' long before the story ends. Following on from Bloody Mary (previous novel), Hendersen again proves her adaptability from social historian to sincere, honest and thought-provoking novellist. Lang may her lum reek wi tales of those born in and who've survived Glesgae !