Bonnie Dundee

Hugh Harriot sets down the memories of his youth serving John Graham of Claverhouse, in a Scottish burr and vernacular that allow his voice to ring inside your head. I liked this book, it's charming and different from anything I've read before. It has the feel of folk lore and an ever so slight pinch of fairy-tale. I enjoyed the young man, Hugh's, hero worship for Claverhouse as well as his love for his horse and his dog. Rosemary Sutcliff is a nimble and quick story teller, I will try her again. She's capable of creating vivid images and a memorable story with few words and within few pages. This is a quick read at just over two hundred pages but adds another perspective to what I've already read on the period. I recently read 'Civil Blood' by Meredith Stephure which covers the Glorious Revolution in greater detail and clarity. I don't think reading 'Bonnie Dundee' immediately after 'Civil Blood' is necessarily the best order to enjoy this book. Unfortunately I found that the redundancy detracted a bit from the experience.

This is a wonderful story of the first Jacobite rising of 1689 against William of Orange, newly crowned King of England. John of Claverhouse (Bonnie Dundee) was a staunch supporter of King James, who was deposed in favor of William by parliament. The story is told from the perspective of Hugh Harriot, a young lad who soon becomes a devoted follower of Dundee. While intended as a children's or young adult book, this is a rich and detailed account suitable for any age group. Young readers might find it challenging, as the scots brogue of many of the characters is hard to follow at times. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating look at late 17th centruy Scotland and the origins of the Jackobite movement which would later see full fruition in the disasterous rising of 1745 under Bonnie Prince Charlie. John of Claverhouse who became Viscount Dundee by order of King James for his service against the disruptive religeous group known as the Covenenters, is an inspiring Scottish hero, a far greater man of honor and ability than either William Wallace or the rogue Rob Roy in the opinion of this reviewer. But in comparison to the other two he is little known. Dundee was an aristocrat who championed the cause of the Stewarts, and this may account for his being less known. His career was also tragically cut short at the famous battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 where Bonnie Dundee and his Highland army routed the government forces, but sacreficed his life in the process. With his death the Stewart cause was doomed in Scotland, and the rebellion was over almost as soon as it started. The reader will learn about these inspiring events through the eyes of the protagonist, Hugh, who is portrayed as one of Bonnie Dundees devoted followers. Sutcliff's research and skill of telling a story long forgotten are to be commended. This reviewer highly recommends this book either for sophisicated young readers, or adults who enjoy good historical fiction. You can see where the old famous scots tune "Bonnie Dundee" came from by reading this fine work.

Hugh Herriot was an orpan who lived with his grandfather. When he was twelve, he was given a job as a horse tender at a large house. There he first met John Claverhouse or Bonnie Dundee. Hugh is so inspired by this man, that he joins his army which eventually leads him to fight against his own family. On his journeys he meet many characters who shape his life and personality including a young gypsy girl, Darklis, who holds his heart.