'Fiction like this amply justifies the familiar comparison with the best of Grassic Gibbon's short stories, and goes a long way to suggest that the comparison with Gorki and Gogol, which Maurice Wiggin made in his review of Toulmin's first book, is by no means absurd.'
-- Colin Milton, University Review

His literary talent is a thing of wild and simple beauty, rippling like corn in the wind or raising memorable scents in the nostrils.'
-- Jack Webster, Daily Express

'The effect of the longer short stories is overwhelming. I've never read a description of a farm fire which could compare with Toulmin in "Snowfire", and "Moonlight Flitting" touches the heart of life.'
-- Jack House, Glasgow Evening Times

'It must be said that it is in his short stories that Toulmin excels. He tackles the delicate issues of life, death and religious feeling, and yet with the rawness and spontaneity of the North-East farm loon, which makes him unique.'
-- Buchan Observer

'On reading David Toulmin's stories, one is convinced that the land itself has found a voice -- because not only are they strong on social history, they are rich in human drama and tragedy. From his memories of the Grindstone of Life he has made a song, and a fine one.'
-- Dr Cuthbert Graham