The Stones of Ailsa Craig

by David Florig

Overview

Confucius once said, "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." Confucius was wrong.

A widower at just fifty years old, one lost, lonely, and increasingly obsessed man seemingly finds salvation in the ancient Scottish sport of curling, until it unexpectedly takes him down a much different and darker path. A path through present-day Belfast, Maine; 1880s Scotland; and to the remote, volcanic island of Ailsa Craig, home to the finest curling stone granite in the world and former home to tens of thousands of marauding brown rats. A path that was revealed to him after seeing a single, 130-year-old photograph.

What else could he do but embrace his calling after seeing that picture and learning the truth?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798988554509
Publisher:	David S. Florig
Publication date:	09/06/2023
Pages:	298
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

DAVID S. FLORIG is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance as well as a member and past-president of the Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland, Maine. The Stones of Ailsa Craig is his debut novel and is an homage to Belfast, Maine; the glorious Maine coast; and the ancient Scottish sport of curling.

David grew up and lived in South Jersey before retiring to Maine. Adopted by Charles and Marjorie Florig, he has seen a single picture of his birth mother. Subconsciously, that picture may have inspired this story.

For years, David practiced law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Following his legal career, David was the Executive Director of two nonprofits - Court Appointed Special Advocates of Burlington County (New Jersey) and the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children. WePAC recruited and trained volunteers to open shuttered elementary school libraries in Philadelphia, and for his work on behalf of Philadelphia's children, he was honored as one of the inaugural GameChangers by KYW Newsradio in celebration of Black History Month.

He lives in Maine with his wife of thirty-five years, Nancy, and their ill-mannered rescue dog, Molly Malone.

Editorial Reviews

A wonderful tribute to the history and spirit of curling, as well as a dark look into one man's growing obsession with vengeance and justice, The Stones of Ailsa Craig brims with Florig's obvious love for Maine, storytelling, and The Roarin' Game.

Personal - Nina Roth

The Stones of Ailsa Craig is a great read! A fascinating look at loss, loneliness, and obsession. A heartfelt tribute to The Roarin' Game. It is very fitting for the sport we love.

Personal - Eve Muirhead

Florig's storytelling is intricate and engaging, deftly combining historical fiction and mystery. The narrative offers an exquisite balance of suspense and light-hearted amusement. Both unexpected and captivating, the book is a testament to Florig's skill in weaving a story that resonates with emotion and authenticity.

Literary Titan