The facts are in evidence, but the truth is never told

His Bloody Project, nominated for the Man Booker Prize in 2016, is one of those great books that makes you wonder if it’s a true story, a fictionalised account, or just completely made up by the author. After reading the first bit, I actually went to read some reviews (which I never do in advance) to find out for sure. Graeme Mcrae Burnet’s main character—who’s “project” is the subject of the book—is Roderick John Mcrae, or Roddy as he’s called, so it seems entirely plausible that the novel is based on real events from a 19th century family archive.

The story is told in three parts. The first section comprises testimonials from neighbours and acquaintances of Roddy who knew him, or saw him on the day of the atrocity. Every interview seems to offer conflicting views of Roddy’s intelligence, and predisposition for violence, as well as the rationale for committing his heinous crime. Since Roddy is the son of a (literally) dirt poor crofter, in the tiny Scottish village of Applecross, near Culduie (places which actually exist) it’s not hard to imagine that he’s an empty-headed, scheming miscreant, and yet some say he’s an intellectual genius with high prospects for a university education. Could he be both? Or maybe he’s neither.

The second part is Roddy’s retelling of the time leading up to his evil misdeed, as well as his recollection of the events themselves. His attorney suggests Roddy write down his memories, to pass the time until he goes to trial. He never claims to be innocent, much to the surprise of his gaolers, and the psychologist who’s sent to analyse him. Even though this first-hand account is never offered at trial, those who do read it are convinced of his sincerity, and the certainty with which he believes his actions were both necessary, and unavoidable.

The third section recounts the trial and its aftermath. I truly expected a final twist to firmly tie up all the questions, but Burnet is better than that—the ending is sad and offers no concluding answers as to why Roddy felt so compelled to solve his family’s problems in the most violent way imaginable.

Burnet’s writing here is effortless as he transitions from the pedantic, uninspiring and obviously biased testimonials of the first section, to the heartfelt, but strangely emotionless recollections from Roddy’s perspective, to a building sense of unease and frustration, as readers realise the facts are in evidence, but the truth is never told. I really, really enjoyed reading His Bloody Project, and would highly recommend it for anyone who likes a little mystery and mayhem in their historical fiction.

✰✰✰✰

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