Sir Walter Scott
1817
Around 500 pages
This has to be a really quick review as I have lots to do. The only reason I fit this in today was because I completely forget what day this book is due back at the library so thought I should finish this asap.
This, contrary to what the title might lead you to believe, is the story of Frank Osbaldistone. I guess that nightmare of a last name is not as intriguing. The novel starts with Frank having a disagreement with his father and consequently being sent to his uncle's. There, he falls in love with Diana Vernon but must leave when the dastardly Rashleigh steals important documents. Oh and somewhere in there Rob Roy makes an appearance.
I love adventure stories and this really is a great one. Diana is very unlike the usual heroine in these stories; she is extremely intelligent and frank. Of course, she is also basically a slave to her father but let's focus on the good.
Additionally, this novel was quite funny, particularly when Osbaldistone gets hammered and makes an ass out of himself.
And, of course, like all Scott novels, this book is historically relevant as it depicts the Jacobite Rising. All in all, a great novel, with Rob Roy being the least interesting part of it.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
One of Robert Louis Stevenson's favorite novels.
1 comment:
Yeah, curious how little Rob Roy actually appears in the novel, given that it carries his name.
What did you think of Francis as a hero? He never actually manages to do anything than just being where the action is all the time.
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