The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne (Pocket Classics S.)

by Ann Radcliffe

2 of 5 stars 1 rating • 1 review • 1 shelved
Book cover for The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne
Shelve It

Bookhype may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.

The novel is a set in a powerful landscape which became familiar in her later work, with complex clan feuds and mysterious romantic intrigues played out against a backdrop of ruined medieval castles and rugged Scottish coastlines. Each of the characters can be defined by their passions: The present Earl of Athlin, Osbert, is driven by a passionate desire to avenge his father's murder at the hand of Malcolm, the Baron of Dunbayne. His sister, Mary, is ever swooning and fainting in an attempt to resist her passion for Alleyn, a highlander not of noble birth. Alleyn is likwise driven to heroic deeds of rescue because of his love for Mary. Even the villain, Baron Malcolm, is driven by his desire-first a desire to kill Osbert; it is later supplanted by his desire to possess Mary. Although the passions of its leading characters dominate the plot, the castles of the title are as central to the narrative, establishing an enduring Gothic trope.
  • ISBN10 130406347X
  • ISBN13 9781304063472
  • Publish Date 23 May 2013 (first published 30 June 1994)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country GB
  • Imprint Lulu.com
  • Format eBook (OEB)
  • Language English