Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor Review (1869)
Lorna Doone, written by Richard Doddridge Blackmore, was published in 1869. This captivating novel has been loved by both the public and notable 19th-century authors like Thomas Hardy. The book has remained continually in print, and it’s clear why that is the case.
The story is recounted by John Ridd, the main character, as he reflects on his life. John is a farmer, or yeoman, and he begins by discussing his education and family. However, his town of Oare faces a serious threat from a family of bandits known as the Doones. These outlaws live in the heavily guarded Doone Valley and rob those who travel the nearby road. Among their victims is John’s father, leaving behind his wife and three children.
John takes on the responsibility of caring for his mother, two sisters, and their farm. One day, when he’s just fourteen, he ends up in Doone Valley while attempting to catch fish for his mother. It’s there he meets Lorna Doone, leading to a lasting bond between them that grows over time. Lorna, it turns out, is the granddaughter of Ensor Doone, the leader of the outlaws, and they call her Little Queen.
In the early parts of the novel, John grapples with his feelings for Lorna, a relative of the men who killed his father. He also manages the farm and looks after his sisters, Annie and Eliza. When their cousin, the notorious highwayman Tom Faggus, shows interest in Annie, both siblings realize their mother may not be thrilled about their chosen partners. Eventually, their mother comes around and approves of both Lorna and Tom.
As the story progresses, John and Lorna face new challenges. Lorna is being pursued by two Doones, one of whom is the violent and ruthless Carver Doone. After Lorna’s grandfather dies, John helps her escape the valley. However, the Doones don’t give up easily and want her back.
We learn more about Lorna’s background, Annie and Tom’s lives, and the local resentment against the Doones. The story raises questions like whether a simple farmer and a Doone can find happiness together, if Lorna is truly a Doone, and who killed John’s father. It also wonders if the town of Oare will destroy Doone Valley and whether John, Lorna, Annie, and Tom will have a happy ending.
The characters in Lorna Doone are engaging, and the romance between Lorna and John feels real. They meet as children and gradually fall in love over the years. The couple faces numerous challenges to their happiness, including family issues, competing romantic interests, and political turmoil. Despite all these obstacles, the story’s ending is all the more satisfying.
Annie and Tom’s subplot serves to provide additional conflict and depth to the main story. It allows us to see John taking on a protective role as Annie’s big brother. While some characters speak in a challenging dialect, the novel’s overall beauty and descriptive quality make it worth the effort to read. The book is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy’s writing style, and it’s a classic that deserves more recognition.
If you enjoy film adaptations, British literature from the 19th century, or heartfelt love stories, Lorna Doone is a book you might appreciate.
Have you read Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor? What do you think of this classic? Should I watch an adaptation, and if so, which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
