Sir Walter Scott Appreciation discussion

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This book took me a lot longer than expected but I am glad I finally got round to reading this novel.
The story itself was interesting, set during the time of the so called Monmouth Rebellion where yet again the heir to the English throne was in question. King Charles II did not have any legitamite children and his brother James was the next in line. James was a ]n admitted Catholic and many at the time did not want the return to civil unrest caused by the Catholic v Protestant issue. The oldest ilagimatame son Charles had given the title of Duke of Monmouth and it was a campaign to allow him to become the next king.
The story is also set in a dramatic area of England, Exmoor, and it is in the author's descriptive passages about the scenery and seasons of a farmer's life that makes this book more than just average.
The title is a little bit of a misnomer, as Lorna is not that strong a character in the book, but the title John Ridd, the actual main character, is not as romantic.

I agree with you that the description of the scenery and the setting makes this book special. You can see that the author loves his home areas. I found Lorna the weakest character in the book, not her personality, but the fact that she lacked any life. The other characters seemed more fleshed out and "real".

Rosemarie wrote: "I agree with you that the description of the scenery and the setting makes this book special. You can see that the author loves his home areas. I found Lorna the weakest character in the book, not ..."

One thing that irritated me and I know you noted this too, was John Ridd's views and comments about women. I was left thinking that the author did not see men and women equally.

He certainly was opinionated regarding women. I wonder if he represented the author's point of view. Or maybe the author was gently poking fun at such a sexist attitude?

Rosemarie wrote: "He certainly was opinionated regarding women. I wonder if he represented the author's point of view. Or maybe the author was gently poking fun at such a sexist attitude?"

Maybe. It was almost comical at times. If I find any article on it I will update the thread.