We sampled six Oban single malts in our latest Scotch tasting/murder mystery dinner:
12 year old, 14 year old, 18 year old Little Bay Game of Thrones reserve and Distiller's edition.
There was no clear favorite but the Distiller's edition and 18 year old received the most votes.
Sir Walter Scott's The Black Dwarf was a topic of brief discussion with a reference to art and drama that resulted from Scott's novel.
Definitely fits in with Scott's historical novel approach but a contemporary critic should find material on a feminist study:
1. Chapter 16 page 133 (Edinburgh edition): De Lacy himself, as he learned more intimately to know the merit of the prize which he was desirous of possessing..
2. Chapter 2 (vol. 2) page 151: He was assured of the early possession of a beautiful and amiable wife...
Eveline may not have objected to any of this but toss the idea of possession of a wife to someone working on a more contemporary female slant and see what response elicits.
Eveline managed affairs quite well while her betrothed was away so anyone gathering material for Scott's heroines should have fun with this.
The novel itself was a bit heavy reading at times, but passages like this perked my interest.
Did you know that all of Ian Rankin's Rebus books have titles taken from popular music titles? Black and Blue was Rankin's first big seller. The title may have metaphors attached to it but it is also the title of a Rolling Stones album.
Looking forward to Sir Ian Rankin's new novel this fall.
David Daiches provided a very interesting biography of Robert Louis Stevenson interweaving his family, travels and the Scottish inspiration for much of his writing. I was not aware of the long-term relationship R.L.S. had with Henry James. I am now motivated to read more books by Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Pirate is set in the latter part of the 17th century. This time period has been the focus of a dozen books I have read in the past year in order to become better acquainted with the highly active political struggles. This novel was a bit different because the volatile Catholic/Protestant conflicts were entirely absent. I found it interesting that the residents of the northern islands had a more peaceful Catholic/Pagan coexistence.
Scott was only familiar with the Orkney and Shetland islands because of a tour he took several years earlier. His main character was loosely based on a pirate he encountered in his studies of that particular trade in the northern islands.
I enjoyed this book and plan on a whisky tasting/murder mystery dinner with single malts from Orkney. Let me know if you would like an invite.
Old Mortality relates the politics, heroes and events during the late 17th century centering on the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. James Graham of Claverhouse appears to be a complex character with more religious tolerance than those around him. The fanaticism of supporting characters made political progress a bit cumbersome.
Killiecrankie is one of my favorite tunes and the Blair Atholl is very scenic and worth a visit.
Scott painted a vivid portrait of the historical characters and events. I highly recommend this book as one of Scott's best.
The Scots language slowed down the read but this I expected. The character was another one of the large highlanders (short, yes, but very strong) but not as interesting as the children of the mist. About the only part of the story I found interesting was the show of strength. I think Scott could have done more with this story if he took the time. Unfortunately, I cannot rate this well as much as I admire Scott.
