Consider the Lilies

by Iain Crichton-Smith

Paperback, 2001

Status

Available

Call number

PR6005.R58 C6

Publication

Phoenix (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd ) (2001), Paperback, 160 pages

Description

Now considered a modern classic, CONSIDER THE LILIES focuses on the eviction of an old woman from her croft. The Highland Clearances, the eviction of crofters from their homes between 1792 and the 1850s, was one of the cruellest episodes in Scotland's history. In CONSIDER THE LILIES Iain Crichton Smith captures its impact through the thoughts and memories of an old woman who has lived all her life within the narrow confines of her community. Alone and bewildered by the demands of the factor, Patrick Sellar, she approaches the minister for help, only to have her faith shattered by his hypocrisy. She finds comfort, however, from a surprising source: Donald Macleod, an imaginative and self-educated man who has been ostracised by his neighbours, not least by Mrs Scott herself, on account of his atheism. Through him and through the circumstances forced upon her, the old woman achieves new strength. Written with compassion, in spare, simple prose, Consider the Lilies is a moving testament to the enduring qualities which enable the oppressed to triumph in defeat.… (more)

Language

Original publication date

1968

ISBN

0753812932 / 9780753812938

Other editions

Local notes

'Consider the Lilies' focuses on the eviction of an old women from her croft. Betrayed by the Church, she finds comfort from an unlikely source and, as she recalls her life in flashbacks, she is forced to make a painful but honest reappraisal of her entire world.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Michael.Rimmer
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
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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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Physical description

160 p.

Pages

160
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