Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #670310 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Synopsis
Star-crossed lovers Catriona Campbell and Alasdair Og MacDonald, the children of families that have been feuding for centuries, fight for their love and become unwitting pawns in a history-making war.

Customer Reviews

An Historical Tale of Perfidy & An Epic Romeo/Juliet Romance
The perfidious Massacre of Glencoe occurred at the village of Glencoe, Glen Coe, Scotland, during the predawn hours of February 13, 1692, during the period of the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite Risings. Thirty-eight MacDonalds, including the MacIain, clan chieftain, were slaughtered by government troops, led by Captain Robert Campbell of Glen Lyon who had accepted the MacDonald's hospitality. Campbell had been ordered by the King's Master of the Stair, through the Governor of Fort William, to turn on his hosts, (including his own niece and her husband). Although he defended his actions with the "I was just following orders" excuse, Campbell, as a highlander, was well aware of the strictly held laws of Highland hospitality. His offense was, and still is, thought to be unforgivable by many.

Kings William II and III's policy in Scotland was to force clan chieftains to subscribe an oath of loyalty to the crown. MacIain of Glencoe was slow in doing so and eventually missed the deadline by a matter of days, although he did swear the oath. For his tardiness he and his were made "examples of." Those who were able to escape, primarily women and children, hid in the surrounding snowy mountains and died of exposure after their homes were burned. The MacDonald's and Campbell's, already immersed in bitter feuding, still maintain the feud three hundred years later. Campbells continue to suffer the opprobrium of the massacre and generations of Scots children have been taught "never trust a Campbell."

"Lady of the Glen's" subtitle is "a novel of 17th century Scotland and the Massacre of Glencoe," and the book accurately describes the heinous event which took place that morning in 1692 and the history leading up to it, as well as the fictitious Romeo and Juliet love story between Alasdair Og MacDonald, youngest son of the MacIain, and Catriona Campbell of Glen Lyon. Although Alasdair Og did, in fact, marry a Cambell of Glen Lyon, she was a niece to Glen Lyon not his daughter.

While Jennifer Roberson's narrative bogs down occasionally, she writes a fluid, intelligent prose and has an amazing grasp of the historical events, characters and political intrigue of the times. Her fictitious characters, especially Cat and Dair are wonderful, strong and believable - a really terrific and unusual heroine and hero. Because of the violence and terrible sadness, this is no light read and therefore not for everyone. The brutality of the clan wars is depicted with tremendous realism, as are the wonderful customs and culture of the Highlands. One can almost hear the bagpipes play. If you are a fan of good historical fiction and Scottish history in particular, you'll find this novel to be a winner - as I did. ENJOY!
JANA

An evocative and exceptionally well-researched novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whilst sometimes the dialogue seemed a little contrived and over-the-top, I was nonetheless very impressed with the amount of research the author had obviously undertaken. Scottish history, (including the story of Glen Coe), is of great interest to me and there were scenes in this book I found particularly moving. I was already familiar with the story of the massacre and therefore having the characters brought to life in this way was, at times, an almost harrowing experience.

Excellent story, rooted in historical facts
I loved this story and wish the author would stay with historical fiction instead of fantasy. The story was rooted in fact, had believable characters, and was terrific to read. It ended in a trip to Scotland for me, so I would go for it.