Johnstone of the Border

About this book

"Johnstone of the Border" by Harold Bindloss is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Andrew Johnstone, a man drawn to the solitude of the Canadian wilderness after being sidelined from a military career due to an injury. As he reflects on his life and relationships back in Scotland, particularly with his cousin Dick and the young woman Elsie, the narrative hints at themes of duty, longing, and the struggle against personal limitations. The opening of the novel presents Andrew Johnstone in the tranquil Canadian wilderness, where he enjoys a moment of solitude by Sable Lake. As he prepares for the return of his friend Whitney, thoughts of his past and his ties to Scotland weigh heavily on him, prompting a yearning to reconnect with his home. This yearning deepens when he reads a letter from Elsie expressing concern for Dick's well-being, indicating the challenges Dick faces regarding his health and lifestyle. Here, the narrative sets the stage for exploring Andrew's internal conflict about returning home and the complexities of his relationships with both Dick and Elsie, foreshadowing future developments as the story unfolds.