Product Description

The Highland Clearances, the eviction of crofters from their homes between 1792 and the 1850s, was one of the cruellest episodes in Scotland's history. In Consider the Lilies Iain Crichton Smith captures its impact through the thoughts and memories of an old woman who has lived all her life within the narrow confines of her community. Alone and bewildered by the demands of the factor, Patrick Sellar, she approaches the minister for help, only to have her faith shattered by his hypocrisy. She finds comfort, however, from a surprising source: Donald Macleod, an imaginative and self-educated man who has been ostracised by his neighbours, not least by Mrs Scott herself, on account of his atheism. Through him and through the circumstances forced upon her, the old woman achieves new strength. Written with compassion, in spare, simple prose, Consider the Lilies is a moving testament to the enduring qualities which enable the oppressed to triumph in defeat.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #77313 in Books
• Published on: 2001-12-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

A book drawing together the themes of Crichton Smiths poetry
A brilliant book that draws together all of the main themes evident in Crichton Smiths poetry. The death of the traditional way of life is particularly strong as is the desire of those people in the village to adhere to the ways of the 'past' as those younger members are drawn away to seek what the 'future' and shun the past. A book easily enjoyed by all and especially by those who enjoy Crichton Smiths way of writing.

A real; Scottish classic
A simple, easy read but full of history and passion. Anyone interested in Scotlands history will marvel at the bravery of those who lived off the land and saw their worlds turned upside down.
If you liked this book then a great follow up would be Neil Gunn's classic "The Silver Darlings"The Silver Darlings (FF Classics).

Difficult
I have recently read this book due to a requirement for my English course, and I approached it with an open mind... hoping to be engrossed in the story.

However from the very beginning I found it a difficult read.

I found that the main character was not easy to sympathise with - even with her troubled circumstances, and I did not care much for her facing eviction.

I also found the writers use of description highly overused, he would write about something and then stray off onto another random thing...
There were two chapters providing descriptions of curtains! Curtains!

And Chapter 7 is just one line...

Needless to say I am disappointed with this book and believe that when my exam comes up I am going to find it very difficult.