From the Bookshelf of Reading the Classics…

The Bride of Lammermoor

Walter Scott,

J.H. Alexander (Editor)

Start date: October 12, 2015

Finish date: October 31, 2015

Discussion: Past Group Reads

Why we're reading this: October 2015 poll winner
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What Members Thought

Aug 19, 2014 Henry Avila rated it really liked it

Around the time of the union between Scotland and England 1707, great changes are occurring in that ancient an often unhappy land of the north, rebellion is always beneath the calm surface, in uneasy Scotland. Rivalries, family blood feuds, (and just plain hate) political contests between Whigs and Tories for power, but with a polite face shown. Edgar , the son of the late Lord Ravenswood, his downfall caused by Sir William Ashton a devious lawyer or a honest man, depending on your side of the a Around the time of the union between Scotland and England 1707, great changes are occurring in that ancient an often unhappy land of the north, rebellion is always beneath the calm surface, in uneasy Scotland. Rivalries, family blood feuds, (and just plain hate) political contests between Whigs and Tories for power, but with a polite face shown. Edgar , the son of the late Lord Ravenswood, his downfall caused by Sir William Ashton a devious lawyer or a honest man, depending on your side of the aisle, bribery was common in that era's legal courts. Of course brooding Edgar, after a few duels, seeks vengeance against the the destroyer of his family's fortune, estates and honor, he lives in a ruined , like his life, haunted (some say) castle with only one old wily servant left, Caleb Balderstone, in Wolfscrag. A tower above the pounding surf of the North Sea (always seemingly ready to collapse into the yearning waves below), in the Lammermoor Hills of the southeast part of the country. Chance can complicate situations, Edgar hunting on his small estate, saves the life of Sir William, his neighbor, and his pretty daughter Lucy, from an angry, wild bull. Why ? Family honor maybe, but that question is never answered clearly, except the fragile, meek Lucy, is fascinated by the handsome stranger, and he also feels warmth towards the alluring lady . His sworn enemy's daughter, the former Lord Ravenswood, his father had lost that title , supporting the losers, during the Glorious Revolution, would not understand either, if he were still alive. Edgar finds out from friendly, grateful, Sir William, that the deceased, had borrowed many thousands of pounds sterling, and was unable to repay him. The almost Gothic romance between Lucy and Edgar, is mostly in secret walks, (Lady Ashton, the mother, despises poor Edgar) outside the homes of the rivals, by an antiquated fountain, the site of their first inauspicious meeting. They visited blind, old, Alice, in her tiny decrepit, as much as she is, hovel, on Lucy's father's land. The woman had for many years been a valuable servant of Lord Ravenswood's, but Alice opposes the marriage between the happy couple... she predicts disaster in the future (uneducated people have accused her, of being a witch). When the old woman dies , Edgar sees her apparition , and is very shaken. Witches, unknown things felt, or thought seen in the woods, rumors of the supernatural are spoken in the nearby village of Wolfshope ( but this is the age of the believers, in evil spirits). Lady Ashton makes arraignments in Ravenswood Castle, Edgar's former home for a more worthy husband for her young daughter, wealthy but coarse, Francis, Laird of Bucklaw. Sir William is afraid of his dominating wife and the engagement is announced, while Edgar is attending business for his rich, influential relative the Marquis, who is trying to get his land back, on the continent. Lucy has written many letters to him, as he has too, but her cruel mother has not let them pass . Will Edgar come back before it is too late?...A popular Opera, was made from this novel. One of Scott's best books....based loosely on historical events. ...more

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Jul 27, 2014 Jerilyn rated it really liked it

A classic, sad tale in Scottish legendary tradition. Expressive language, dialog suitable to each character. A bit of a ghost story, perfect for Halloween, now that I think about it. A beautifully woven tragedy!

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