The Scottish Boy

Synopsis

1333. Edward III is at war with Scotland. Nineteen-year-old Sir Harry de Lyon yearns to prove himself, and jumps at the chance when a powerful English baron, William Montagu, invites him on a secret mission with a dozen elite knights. They ride north, to a crumbling Scottish keep, capturing the feral, half-starved boy within and putting the other inhabitants to the sword.

But nobody knows why the flower of English knighthood snuck over the border to capture a savage, dirty teenage boy. Montagu gives the boy to Harry as his squire, with only two rules: don't let him escape, and convert him to the English cause.

At first, it's hopeless. The Scottish boy is surly and violent, and eats anything that isn't nailed down. Then Harry begins to notice things: that, as well as Gaelic, the boy speaks flawless French, with an accent much different from Harry's Norman one. That he can read Latin too. And when Harry finally convinces the boy - Iain mac Maìl Coluim - to cut his filthy curtain of hair, the face revealed is the most beautiful thing Harry has ever seen.

With Iain as his squire, Harry wins tournament after tournament and becomes a favourite of the King. But underneath the pageantry smoulder twin secrets: Harry and Iain's growing passion for each other, and Iain's mysterious heritage. As England hurtles towards war once again, these secrets will destroy everything Harry holds dear.

About the Publisher

Unbound

Unbound was founded by three writers: Dan Kieran, Justin Pollard & John Mitchinson. We think people who love books ? primarily readers and writers ? deserve a say in what does or doesn't get published. You may not be aware of it, but even best selling authors are beginning to have very restrictive parameters imposed on the kinds of books they get to write. Put simply, there are lots of potentially great books we're not getting the opportunity to read.

Summary

Chapter 1: A Scottish Boy

* Introduction of Robert Burns, a young Scottish boy living in poverty with his family.
* His father, William Burness, is a struggling farmer while his mother, Agnes Brown, works hard to care for their large family.

Chapter 2: The Power of Education

* Robert's parents emphasize the importance of education and sacrifice much to send him to school.
* Robert excels in his studies, particularly in English and poetry, developing a passion for the written word.

Chapter 3: The Joys and Struggles of Youth

* Robert's love of nature and the outdoors is evident in his early poems, which he often writes while working on the farm.
* Despite his challenges, Robert finds solace in his friendships and the companionship of his family.

Chapter 4: The Birth of a Poet

* Robert's poetic abilities gain recognition, and he begins to write and publish his work in local magazines and newspapers.
* His poems resonate with the lives of the common people, earning him praise for his authenticity and emotional depth.

Chapter 5: The Rise of Burns

* Burns's fame spreads throughout Scotland and beyond as he publishes more acclaimed poems, including "My Heart's in the Highlands" and "Auld Lang Syne."
* He becomes a respected figure in Scottish culture and an inspiration to future generations.

Chapter 6: The Loves of His Life

* Robert's romantic life was filled with both joy and heartbreak.
* He had several affairs, most notably with Jean Armour, who became his wife.

Chapter 7: The Farmer Poet

* Despite his success as a poet, Burns continued to work as a farmer, struggling financially but finding inspiration in his surroundings.
* His poems often reflect the challenges and joys of rural life, such as "To a Mouse" and "To a Daisy."

Chapter 8: The Final Years

* Robert's health declined in later years due to a heart condition.
* He continued to write until his final days, producing some of his most moving and introspective poems, including "Ode to a Louse."

Chapter 9: Legacy and Impact

* Robert Burns died at the age of 37, but his legacy endures.
* His poems continue to be widely read and celebrated, and he is considered one of the greatest poets of all time.
* Burns's work has had a profound impact on Scottish culture, language, and identity.

Real Example

From Chapter 4:

> "My Luve is like a red, red rose,
> That's newly sprung in June;
> My Luve is like the melodie,
> That's sweetly played in tune."

This excerpt from Robert Burns's poem "A Red, Red Rose" illustrates his mastery of language and his ability to convey deep emotions through simple, yet evocative imagery. The comparison of his love to a rose and a melody creates a vivid and memorable impression, capturing the beauty and sweetness of romantic affection.