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The story opens in Scotland and relates the first person account of the protagonist called Davy. There seems to be war raging against the “redcoats” and Davy comes close to killing his best friend who belongs to the enemy camp. The story then progresses to Davy’s background. He was originally a shepherd in the Highlands. At this time; one is reminded of the similarities between Davy the shepherd and King David from the Bible with a poem written to that account. From the start; Davy was influenced by the radical preachers who claimed that all followers of Christ are priests and have rights. Once a radical called Condon comes to Davy and tells him about how he dreamt that Davy was destined for greater deeds.
Just about here; the story takes on a different turn. Matthew Campbell is being held for heresy when he argues that he believes violence should be revoked being influenced by the Sermon on the Mount. While in prison, he gave vent to his feelings about this injustice through sad poems. In the court during his trial; he decides to die for peace and not resort to violence in spite of the pleas of his father. He raises the philosophical question “what is war but murder and denial of human family”. However his execution is forgotten with the rush of battle and the drunkenness of the soldiers. Then he witnesses a life changing incident of an innocent young woman shot to death by a firing squad for holding on to her beliefs. At that time he has a vision of angels hovering over every human being. This strengthens his faith and he is finally ready to die for his beliefs. Now the story swings back to Davy without preamble. It talks about how Davy, a simple boy from a modest background falls in love with a lady of noble birth. Since theirs is a forbidden love; they elope in a chapel with the help of a Franciscan monk called Peter.
Again the story swings back to Davy meeting a drifter called Paul who is a spy for the redcoats. He is met by Draco who attacks the village and brutalizes it. In the chaos; Davy’s finance is kidnapped and in prison. They all go to prison to rescue but finally their attempts are foiled and she faces the firing squad. But Davy takes her place and sacrifices himself for her and her unborn child.
This book was interesting and instructive as it depicts history and brings various controversial facts to light. The poems have a lingering effect of sadness and music. The issues raised about the divisions within Christianity are brought out. There is a soulful expression about war, love and sacrifice. However at many points the story blurs on the verge of incomprehension. There are abrupt shifts and continuity fails to come about. It becomes difficult to link the various incidents narrated though the overall picture is maintained. Lastly the legend about Charles Edward Stewart is not mentioned in the substance of the story. This is good book for a first time read and intellectual discussion.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.
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