Lorna Doone

by Doris Dickens (Adaptor), R.D. Blackmore

Abridged version. Description of complete text: First published in 1869, Lorna Doone is the story of John Ridd, a farmer who finds love amid the religious and social turmoil of seventeenth-century England. He is just a boy when his father is slain by the Doones, a lawless clan inhabiting wild Exmoor on the border of Somerset and Devon. Seized by curiosity and a sense of adventure, he makes his way to the valley of the Doones, where he is discovered by the beautiful Lorna. In time their childish fantasies blossom into mature love a bond that will inspire John to rescue his beloved from the ravages of a stormy winter, rekindling a conflict with his archrival, Carver Doone, that climaxes in heartrending violence. Beloved for its portrait of star-crossed lovers and its surpassing descriptions of the English countryside, Lorna Doone is R.D. Blackmore's enduring masterpiece.

Genres: Classics

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Chris Alcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swashbuckling, melodramatic, overly romantic, gothic adventure set on Exmoor. Walter Scott ft. Thomas Hardy, landscape descriptions with hyperbolic personification. . Romeo and Juliet forbidden vibe too. Read this version because I couldn’t be bothered with the original … massively popular when it was published . Maybe a bit on the niche side of sentimental claptrap for the discerning younger reader. Important to note , though , that mobile phones would’ve made no difference (no signal on exmoor) , so crow’s nests probably still the way to tell your loved one you’re in danger . There you are..

[Mike Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy-to-read romance / adventure set in a very different time. It is interesting in that it gives insights into what life was like over 300 years ago (although the book was written in the mid 1800s).

Well worth a read. It's been in continuous print for so long for a reason - it's a good book.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For how little actually happened, it's kind of amazing how long this book was...and I read the abridged version. It's very much a kind of fairy tale, replete with impossible love story, changling, unexpected riches, etc. That being said, it was entertaining and showed some of the propaganda of the times.

[Manna_Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this, though I became rather miffed close to the end and nearly threw it aside unfinished. I'm glad I did not.

My edition is "edited and abridged by Doris Dickens". This, of course makes me curious, so I'll want to know more.

All in all, glad I picked it up at the library sale:)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a romance.
I found this hard going due to its age. I'm glad I went for the abridged version. However, the ending could have done with being longer, unable to tell if this was down to reading the short version, though.
Happy I persevered.