The story is told with great charm, and tinged with a spirit of loss and yearning.

Philip Marsden, The Spectator

Mr Murray is a gregarious and engaging raconteur as he flips between the diverse aspects of this versatile little creature.

The Economist

This is a splendid book, filled with passion, wit, and wonderful facts.

Geographical magazine

...a fine, scholarly, restless and keen-brained work.

John Macleod, Scottish Review of Books

It's a fascinating book and worth a read.

The Glasgow Herald

Like the herring, this is a book that darts across time and oceans. It gleams with story. A wonderful read.

Sally Magnusson