Rob Roy

De: Sir Walter Scott

Narrado por: David McCallion

In 1819, Walter Scott published Rob Roy, a book that would eventually become one of the most-read historical novels of all time. The story unfolds through the eyes of Frank Osbaldistone, the son of an English merchant. Frank first travels to the north of England, eventually ending up in the Scottish Highlands. He is determined to collect on a debt owed to his father, but on his journey he encounters Rob Roy MacGregor, who sets the tone for the story's development.

The story of Rob Roy takes place during a turbulent time in Scotland's history, just prior to the Jacobite rising of 1715. Although Rob Roy is an adventure, it also paints a portrait of the brutal reality of 18th century Scotland, and due to the political problems of the time, Rob Roy was initially published anonymously.

Public Domain (P)2017 A.R.N. Publications

Always reluctant to pan a Classic, but…

sometimes an exception must be made. I am a huge fan of 19th century authors…. the eloquence, the diction, the nobility of prose… But there is also some thing called plot which seem to me, sorely lacking in rob Roy. Of course, Walter Scott can write a sentence and he can also make the English language soar… But at some point the characters and the story has to grab you… And this never did.

Great if slowed down

I listened to this novel at 80% speed. At full speed the reading is way too fast to follow and appreciate. That said the novel has nothing whatever to do with the film of the same name. I mention this in case you come to it with an expectation. The novel is better than the film.

Excellent history & story telling

Skip the first 6 chapters if you're impatient for the story of Rob Roy. But the intro does provide historical context.

Character Voices Distinct

I started to read this book, but had difficulty with the Scottish dialogue. I hoped that by listening along with the printed text, I’d better understand the characters dialogue. Great recording.