Boundary Waters by Tristan Hughes

As part of our celebration of Scottish literature, we’re thrilled to highlight Tristan Hughes’ Boundary Waters, recently longlisted for the prestigious Walter Scott Prize 2026.

In addition, Abbotsford is proud to support the National Year of Reading campaign, created by GoAllIn, which encourages people of all ages to rediscover the joy of reading. By shining a spotlight on remarkable works like The Artist, we hope to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and encourage everyone to pick up a book and dive into the extraordinary worlds that stories can open.

I just finished Boundary Waters by Tristan Hughes, and I have to say, I’m really impressed. The way Hughes describes the land and the people who travel through it is incredible; so vivid that his world feels real and the people feel familiar.

The story follows Arthur, a young man who’s hopeless at trade, terrible in love, and terrified of the wilderness he finds himself in. His journey is full of awkward missteps and moments that make you shake your head in bemusement. Along the way, you meet some unforgettable characters: MacLeod, a charming yet misunderstood scoundrel, Esther, a quietly strong woman and the intended recipient of the story, and my personal favourite, Herse. Herse is an older character, and endlessly fascinating. He adds a layer of intelligence and depth to the story that really stands out.

At its heart, this is a book about love and loss, but principally growth. Arthur’s adventures take him through unfamiliar worlds, challenging him in ways that are sometimes painful, but always authentic. There’s a subtle humour running through the story that makes even his most desperate moments feel believable.

If you like stories about self-discovery, the beauty and danger of the wilderness, and characters who feel like real people, Boundary Waters is definitely worth picking up.

Leanne Johnstone
Marketing Manager, Abbotsford

Set in Lower Canada at the dawn of the nineteenth century, Boundary Waters tells the story of Arthur Stanton, a young man lacking direction and desperately seeking the approval of his father.  Inspired by tales of travellers, he signs up to join the fur trade and, with a ragtag band of voyageurs, embarks on an epic journey north.  Set during an era of shifting boundaries between nations and cultures, amid the starkly beautiful landscapes of the upper Great Lakes, Arthur’s journey becomes a tragicomic story of fortune-seeking, ill-starred love and redemption, in a land where misapprehensions can be fatal.

Boundary Waters is available at Abbotsford’s gift shop, alongside all the Walter Scott Prize longlist titles. By purchasing your copy directly from Abbotsford, you’ll be supporting The Abbotsford Trust, an independent Scottish charity.

The Walter Scott Prize Shortlist will be announced in April 2026 

The Prize is managed by The Abbotsford Trust, the independent Scottish Charity responsible for Sir Walter Scott’s extraordinary Borders home, and is supported by Hawthornden Foundation and the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust and Duke of Buccleuch, in memory of Elizabeth Buccleuch.

Click here to find out more about The Walter Scott Prize 

Love reading? Share the love! Visit the Go All In website to find out more.

This review reflects the opinion of the individual and does not represent the views of The Abbotsford Trust or the Walter Scott Prize. Books have been selected and read in no particular order.