Book Review: The Bride of Lammermoor

This novel was written by Walter Scott in 1819. The plot closely resembles a tragedy that occurred in his own family generations ago. It was a favourite story of his mother's, who got it from his great aunt.

 The story starts with Edgar Ravenswood, who's fortune and honor had been swept away when his father was a strong supporter of the dethroned James VII. He inherited his father's hatred of the current owner of their estate Sir William Ashton, and plans revenge. But while plotting, Edgar falls in love with Ashton's daughter Lucy, he renounces all vengeance, and the two become secretly engaged. But Lucy's mother is a proud, haughty, political witch, who tries to force the poor girl into a highly advantageous marriage to the Laird of Bucklaw. Meanwhile Edgar goes to France, and Lucy desperately tries to contact him.

 As the hero of the story Edgar was a nice character. He held a deep hatred for the Ashtons, but developed out of righteous anger. He could be kind and cordial, but was also very hot-headed and rash. Caleb, Edgar's servant/butler/housekeeper, was a funny old soul, always finding excuses for the poor food and uncomfortable accommodation of Edgar's current home Wolf's Craig. Sir William Ashton, though supposed to be wicked, was actually a weak man led by the nose by his wife. He actually came to like Edgar, though Ravenswood himself never got so close.

I hated Lady Ashton with all my heart. She come stomping in out of nowhere, took control immediately, and caused havoc in her daughter's life. She, after disastrous consequences, was not even repentant, but remained brutal and hard-hearted to the end.

I would recommend this book to those who like Gothic-style, romantic, tragic, or vengeance novels. It was well written, with each character being as evil or good as he should be. I would give this book overall an 8/10.

Book Review: The Surgeons Daughter

This book is about Menie Grey, daughter to a Scottish surgeon Dr. Gideon Grey. The story starts before Menie's birth, when an illegitimate child is born under his roof. The surgeon offers to keep the child, as he had no children of his own, when the grandfather takes the mother but refuses her son. The father, after delivering the mother to the doctor, disappears. Before her departure, the child is named Richard Middlemas, after the town. So life goes on, Gideon Grey gains a daughter, though he loses the mother. Richard shows a promising character, and as he grows up determines to be a doctor. At a young age, Menie and Richard fall in love, and become betrothed secretly. His fellow apprentice Adam Hartley does not approve of this, as he is also in love with her, but continues in his practice and does not say a word.  But an old acquaintance, the rogue Tom Hillary, convinces Richard that the duties of a country doctor with a wife are far below what he could expect from his life, and encourages him to go to India. Adam also went to India, having received a commission to treat the natives there. After several unexpected encounters, Richard reaches India and meets Adela Montreville, too whom he becomes a paramour to, and schemes with her. He turns into a wicked, scheming, stealthy liar, which, though seen sometimes in Scottland, was not expected. Under her direction, he invites Menie to India, to become his bride, but things do not go as planned.


 I liked Menie, she had a strong but gentle character, there was really nothing to not like about her. Richard's mother, Zilia, was a nice woman, though distressed whenever I met her. Adam Hartley was a clear minded, strong, consciences man. He was sensible and cautious, but also willing to help others.

 I liked the author's interesting focal point, how the main character was the evil one with no remorse. Usually a main person is either good, or bad with remorse. This book has a good person, Menie and Adam, but the real main character is a wicked betrayer to the end of his days. The book is well written, it makes you want to keep reading. It also is worded so that you feel all the proper emotions for the different scenes.

I hated Richard, I found him all the more evil because he was good at the start. This showed a weakness of character that I had not expected. I did not like the sudden switch over from a graceful, well-mannered lad, who had a good career ahead of him. He was popular with everyone, he was well liked, and had a woman by his side. But with first Tom Hillary's and then Adela Montreville's voice in his head, he quickly changed into a thieving, rash, monster whom no one liked. At the end he did not even care about Menie.

I would recommend this book to a sympathetic reader who also likes adventures or exotic places, as a good part of the book is based in India. Overall it was a good read, one worth enjoying, I would personally rate it a 7/10.

  Corners Way deep down, in a dark part of me
Is a cherished dream that I don’t
want God to see.
It’s a tiny corner – just a little one;
It’s the hope of a husband and a
precious little son.
If I give this to God, I won’t have it anymore;
My cherished dream will be
in the hands of the Lord.
And what if He doesn’t ever give it back?
It would break my heart and
throw my life off track.

Lord...
I’m hanging on to this, my fingers are wrapped tight,
‘Round all my dreams, and I won’t give in without a fight.
This is what I planned and I thought that it was right!
And now You ask to take it – my precious dream out of my sight...
All right, Lord, I’ll give You some but not all.
That’s too much to ask, Lord, and this corner – mine – is so small...
But my all wasn’t on the altar – yes, part, but not the whole.
I had to give Him everything to have peace within my soul.

So, Lord...
Here I am again, and it’s all of me this time.
I’m giving you my corners and everything that’s mine.
You can take it – You can keep it – I’m not asking for returns.
I want to trust You with my life and I really want to learn
That You are in control and that You will always lead,
And I do know, Lord, way deep down
That You are all I need.©