I put the radio on over breakfast, Radio 4
as usual. My heart sank as I caught the unmistakeable voice of Jim Naughtie. Not
another extra programme on the greatness that was Margaret Thatcher, I thought.
It was with some relief I discovered that no, it was a programme on that other
Scot, Sir Walter Scott.
I confess I have tried reading one of his
books, “Kenilworth” to be precise. My mother,
an amateur family historian, reckoned it featured one of my ancestors. I found
the book very hard going, despite being essentially a book about love & a
murder in Elizabethan days. It certainly put me off attempting to read another
of Scott’s novels.
And yet I am forced to admit I have
enjoyed screen adaptations of “Ivanhoe” & “The Bride of Lammermoor”. I’m
aware his works have inspired operas by many of the great composers. I
appreciate that much of our view of Scotland is coloured by his works. This
was especially so in the Victorian era.
I just wish I could find him more
readable. Maybe I should give him another try some time.
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