The Banner of Blue -First published in 1903.
A novel about the 1843 ‘Disruption’ might not seem hugely exciting or entertaining to the average modern reader. But don’t be fooled. This is a latter day Covenanting novel and while on the surface of it the romances of Rupert and Kate, and John and Fairlie might seem domestic and at times trivial, as characters they drive a bigger story. It’s not just a parable of a father with two sons; it’s a story about the very nature of Scotland. In case this is in danger of making it sound ‘worthy’ in some way, be reassured there’s plenty of humour, especially with Lil’ Dzonny Coulson , while the dogs Tyke and Tod threaten to steal the show with their wit and wisdom, collie style.
It’s safe to say that Crockett does not dwell on the religious background to the tale (although in the process the reader can learn plenty about a major Kirk event, its causes and consequences) but rather, he uses it as a barely noticeable backdrop, a plot device, for the adventure romance story he has to tell.
And more than this. It is often said that Scottish literature has a focus, maybe an obsession with duality. ‘The Banner of Blue’ is a novel worthy of consideration in this context. Dualities abound and the book can be read as an analogy for the conflicting state of Scotland in the 19th century.
It is a story of the power of the elite and the faith of those lower down the social strata. Religion is seen to be dangerously close to becoming a commodity to be bought and sold. The historic conflict between classes as evidenced by the tensions between the aristocratic Glendonwyns and the working/peasant class Glendinnings – yes, of course you can see the duality from the same root working here – serves to illustrate the duality within Scotland. Family is important in this novel
Crockett often plays with narrative voice and in ‘The Banner of Blue’ he hands the narrative reins to several of the main characters who each tell their own version of the story, thus allowing us to take an overview while still remaining directly involved with the characters. It is both a sophisticated writing style, but also serves to remind us that matters of religion are matters of personal conscience
The other ‘great’ novel of The Disruption is Johnny Gibb of Gushetneuk by William Alexander. It’s different in tone and scope from Crockett’s ‘Banner of Blue’ but I’d certainly recommend readers to read both novels and see what they make of them.
A novel about the 1843 ‘Disruption’ might not seem hugely exciting or entertaining to the average modern reader. But don’t be fooled. This is a latter day Covenanting novel and while on the surface of it the romances of Rupert and Kate, and John and Fairlie might seem domestic and at times trivial, as characters they drive a bigger story. It’s not just a parable of a father with two sons; it’s a story about the very nature of Scotland. In case this is in danger of making it sound ‘worthy’ in some way, be reassured there’s plenty of humour, especially with Lil’ Dzonny Coulson , while the dogs Tyke and Tod threaten to steal the show with their wit and wisdom, collie style.
It’s safe to say that Crockett does not dwell on the religious background to the tale (although in the process the reader can learn plenty about a major Kirk event, its causes and consequences) but rather, he uses it as a barely noticeable backdrop, a plot device, for the adventure romance story he has to tell.
And more than this. It is often said that Scottish literature has a focus, maybe an obsession with duality. ‘The Banner of Blue’ is a novel worthy of consideration in this context. Dualities abound and the book can be read as an analogy for the conflicting state of Scotland in the 19th century.
It is a story of the power of the elite and the faith of those lower down the social strata. Religion is seen to be dangerously close to becoming a commodity to be bought and sold. The historic conflict between classes as evidenced by the tensions between the aristocratic Glendonwyns and the working/peasant class Glendinnings – yes, of course you can see the duality from the same root working here – serves to illustrate the duality within Scotland. Family is important in this novel
Crockett often plays with narrative voice and in ‘The Banner of Blue’ he hands the narrative reins to several of the main characters who each tell their own version of the story, thus allowing us to take an overview while still remaining directly involved with the characters. It is both a sophisticated writing style, but also serves to remind us that matters of religion are matters of personal conscience
The other ‘great’ novel of The Disruption is Johnny Gibb of Gushetneuk by William Alexander. It’s different in tone and scope from Crockett’s ‘Banner of Blue’ but I’d certainly recommend readers to read both novels and see what they make of them.
