We do not have to wait days and weeks for a letter from a loved one or travel on an extended and tedious journey to reach our beloved. This romance is an interesting lesson for those of us in the 21st century who are accustomed to social media, Skype, text messaging, and any number of gadgets that keep us constantly in connection with one another. John’s thoughts and actions are always carried out with his love in mind, no matter how long it has been since he has beheld her face. Blackmore has created a character in John Ridd that is an enduring moral example for all ages.ĭespite unfortunate circumstances and countless obstacles, the zeal of John and Lorna’s love never wanes. What impressed me most about these star-crossed lovers is that they refuse to let the sins of their families ruin their happiness. If he had let hate and vengeance consume him, his heart would never have been open to receive the love of Lorna Doone and he would have missed out on the greatest love of his life. Never for a minute does John harbor resentment or a grudge against the Doones. When John Ridd’s father stands up to these bullies, he is murdered and leaves behind his widow, Sarah Ridd, his prosperous farm, and his three children.Īlthough John grows up without the guidance of his father, he develops into an upstanding, strong and honest man. The Doones occupy their own outlaw village and not only survive by robbing those around them but also prey on the their neighbors for sport. John Ridd is a young boy living in the wilds of western England in the 17th century, when his father is murdered by a band of outlaws who torment, bully and rob the farmers and good people of Exmoor. The plethora of interesting aspects to this book makes it difficult to decide about which ones to write.

Blackmore sets his book on the wild frontier of Exmoor, England where the Crown does not have complete control over the land. My only regret is that I waited so long to finally read Lorna Doone. When someone, whose opinion I highly value, recommended that I read the book, I immediately picked it up. This book has been on my “to read” list for a long time.

Lorna doone blackmore