Consider the Lilies
by Iain Crichton Smith
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Description
This classic novel by the acclaimed author and poet examines a cruel episode of Scottish history through the intimate thoughts of an elderly woman. First published in 1968, Consider the Lilies is widely celebrated as one of the finest achievements in contemporary Scottish literature. Set in the time of the Highland Clearances-the mass eviction of tenant farmers that began in the mid 18th century-it tells the tale of a solitary woman whose home is razed in the name of "agricultural show more improvement." Having lived her whole life among her rural Highland community, she is suddenly told that she will be forced from her home, which will then be burned to the ground. The shattering pronouncement leaves her shocked and disoriented as her thoughts shift between despair for her future and memoires of the life that will soon be gone. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
While set during the Highland Clearances, "Consider the Lilies" isn't really about them, rather it's a character portrait of 70 year-old Mary Scott, and the family and cultural influences that lead her to be living a lonely, embittered existence. The Clearances are a shock, causing Mary to confront her assumptions about social and religious authority, to re-evaluate her life relationships, and her moral judgements about her neighbours. A resounding 5/5 🌟
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4,052 works; 108 members
Author Information
87+ Works 613 Members
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Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1968
- People/Characters
- Mary Scott; Patrick Sellar; Alisdair Scott; Duke of Sutherland; Iain Scott; Donald Macleod (show all 8); Betty Graham; Elder Mackay
- Important places
- Scotland, UK; Highland, Scotland, UK
- Important events
- Highland Clearances
- First words
- Her name was Mrs Scott and she was an old woman of about seventy.
- Original language*
- Saesneg
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
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Statistics
- Members
- 153
- Popularity
- 212,736
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (4.16)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 12
- ASINs
- 4
