First published 1886
David Balfour discovers his uncle has cheated him out of his rightful inheritance. The treacherous relative arranges for David to be kidnapped and transported to America as forced labor. The ship carrying David encounters disaster at sea, leading to his rescue by Alan Breck Stewart, a fugitive supporter of the Jacobite cause who proudly calls himself a skilled fighter. David, a practical young man from the Scottish Lowlands, finds himself drawn to Alan's bold Highland character and romantic spirit. The two form an unlikely friendship despite their different backgrounds and temperaments. Together they embark on a series of adventures across the dangerous Scottish landscape. Their journey takes them through remote Highland territory during the turbulent period following the Battle of Culloden. The bond between the cautious Lowlander and the daring Highland warrior grows stronger as they face perils together. Their friendship becomes the heart of a story that captures both the wild beauty of Scotland and the clash between different ways of life.
Genres: classic-literature, historical-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, british-literature, young-adult
Vibes: adventurous, atmospheric, lyrical, romantic, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, forced-proximity, found-family, unlikely-friendship
Setting: Scotland, Scottish Highlands, Scottish Lowlands, America
Period: 18th century, Post-Battle of Culloden
288 pages · Paperback · Scholastic Paperbacks
Content warnings: kidnapping, violence