I think he's different from other Broster heroes especially in his sense of humor, also his exasperated professionalism. And then there's his backstory of being emotionally abandoned and neglected, and his consequent distrust of love, which of course makes him into fannish catnip because I just want to see someone break through that reserve and make him happy. That whole bit of Keith backstory and characterization at the beginning of Chapter 2 is great.
I love the balanced viewpoint of both sides of the war that we get, which is also different from other Broster novels: Ewen's unquestioning devotion to his Prince, and Keith's dismissal of "his absurd landing on Moidart". Also their very different experiences of the Highland landscape.
And then Keith and Ewen's first meeting, which is obviously perfect. ♥ I love how Ewen's chivalry, though it surprises and provokes Keith at first, then brings out his own as he willingly gives his parole. I also like how Ewen keeps surprising Keith out of his preconceived notions of Highlanders, and Ewen's delicacy at the end of chapter 2.
This bit: "I have given Mr. Cameron my parole of honour, and I assure you that even 'the Elector’s' officers observe that!" (For he believed so then.) is a chilly bit of foreshadowing, but for a historical event which I can't remember is directly mentioned in the book, or is it (the captured Hanoverian officers breaking parole en masse some time after the battle of Prestonpans)? But it works as more general foreshadowing of dastardliness, as well.
I love the introduction of Aunt Margaret--she has a great sense of humor, and I love that she isn't intimidated by Keith. Also she reads Henry Fielding, who I've read was an author condemned by strict moralists, which indicates that even though she's a devout Christian (which we see later) she has an open mind.
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I think he's different from other Broster heroes especially in his sense of humor, also his exasperated professionalism. And then there's his backstory of being emotionally abandoned and neglected, and his consequent distrust of love, which of course makes him into fannish catnip because I just want to see someone break through that reserve and make him happy. That whole bit of Keith backstory and characterization at the beginning of Chapter 2 is great.
I love the balanced viewpoint of both sides of the war that we get, which is also different from other Broster novels: Ewen's unquestioning devotion to his Prince, and Keith's dismissal of "his absurd landing on Moidart". Also their very different experiences of the Highland landscape.
And then Keith and Ewen's first meeting, which is obviously perfect. ♥ I love how Ewen's chivalry, though it surprises and provokes Keith at first, then brings out his own as he willingly gives his parole. I also like how Ewen keeps surprising Keith out of his preconceived notions of Highlanders, and Ewen's delicacy at the end of chapter 2.
This bit: "I have given Mr. Cameron my parole of honour, and I assure you that even 'the Elector’s' officers observe that!" (For he believed so then.) is a chilly bit of foreshadowing, but for a historical event which I can't remember is directly mentioned in the book, or is it (the captured Hanoverian officers breaking parole en masse some time after the battle of Prestonpans)? But it works as more general foreshadowing of dastardliness, as well.
I love the introduction of Aunt Margaret--she has a great sense of humor, and I love that she isn't intimidated by Keith. Also she reads Henry Fielding, who I've read was an author condemned by strict moralists, which indicates that even though she's a devout Christian (which we see later) she has an open mind.