This is my favorite type of story from Carla Kelly; a seaman (home from sailing), now trying to find a place in landed society. The author has taken this idea into a story more than once, and it is always a new adventure.
The Napoleonic Wars are over and this British Royal Navy surgeon, Douglas Bowden, has mustered out of the service. He's looking for a quiet country practice where he can live out his final days. However, he is troubled by nightmares and terrible grief (PTSD in our current day understanding of war). While traveling through the Scottish Lowlands, Douglas happens upon a nine-month pregnant woman holding her son with a broken leg. The town's name is Edgar, and Douglas stays to help the young lad. Although Douglas says he wants peace-and-quiet, he soon gets involved in the difficult lives in the devastated town. Industry moved away and the town has an influx of homeless Highlanders.
He soon meets the owner of the local tea room, who is spending her inheritance feeding the poor of the town. Olive is a great counter-balance to Douglas. He is so busy looking to find a 'nice, quiet practice' that he does not see what is in front of him.
The story ends with a Pollyanna ending but I enjoyed the whole tale.
The Napoleonic Wars are over and this British Royal Navy surgeon, Douglas Bowden, has mustered out of the service. He's looking for a quiet country practice where he can live out his final days. However, he is troubled by nightmares and terrible grief (PTSD in our current day understanding of war). While traveling through the Scottish Lowlands, Douglas happens upon a nine-month pregnant woman holding her son with a broken leg. The town's name is Edgar, and Douglas stays to help the young lad. Although Douglas says he wants peace-and-quiet, he soon gets involved in the difficult lives in the devastated town. Industry moved away and the town has an influx of homeless Highlanders.
He soon meets the owner of the local tea room, who is spending her inheritance feeding the poor of the town. Olive is a great counter-balance to Douglas. He is so busy looking to find a 'nice, quiet practice' that he does not see what is in front of him.
The story ends with a Pollyanna ending but I enjoyed the whole tale.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
