Laura Everingham; or, The Highlanders of Glen Ora

About this book

"Laura Everingham; or, The Highlanders of Glen Ora" by James Grant is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the Scottish Highlands, specifically in Glen Ora, and revolves around the lives of the Mac Innon family and their struggles against the feudal oppression from new landowners. The novel introduces two main characters, Allan Mac Innon and his foster-brother Callum Dhu, who navigate the challenges of their impoverished existence while grappling with themes of loyalty, love, and the clash between traditional Highland values and the encroaching forces of modernity. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Allan and Callum observing a group of English tourists attempting to ascend the perilous Ben Ora mountain. As they discuss the dangers posed to the tourists, the backdrop of Highland eviction and oppression sets the tone for the narrative. Their conversation quickly reveals the dire circumstances facing the Highlanders, led by their contempt for their new landlord, Sir Horace Everingham, who intends to convert their land into a deer forest, forcing the local inhabitants from their homes. The deep bonds between Allan and Callum, alongside the looming threats against their community, foreshadow the personal and collective conflicts that will unfold as the story progresses.