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Exmoor (England) -- Fiction Books

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R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore

Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor

"Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor" by R. D. Blackmore is a novel published in 1869. Set in 17th-century Devon and Somerset, it follows John Ridd, a farmer whose father was murdered by the outlaw Doone clan. When John falls in love with Lorna, who appears to be a Doone, he faces an impossible choice between vengeance and devotion. As secrets about Lorna's true identity emerge and political rebellion sweeps England, their love confronts deadly obstacles that threaten to destroy them both.

R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore

Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor

"Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor" by R. D. Blackmore is a novel published in 1869. Set in seventeenth-century Devon and Somerset, it tells the story of John Ridd, a farmer whose father was murdered by the outlaw Doone clan. When John falls in love with Lorna, who appears to be a Doone, he faces an impossible choice between vengeance and devotion. Their romance unfolds against political upheaval and dangerous secrets about Lorna's true identity, building toward a dramatic confrontation.

G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville

Katerfelto: A Story of Exmoor

"Katerfelto: A Story of Exmoor" by G. J. Whyte-Melville is a novel written in the late 19th century that combines elements of historical narrative with romance and adventure. The story begins against a richly detailed backdrop of 18th-century England, focusing on characters embroiled in themes of dueling, honor, and societal unrest, particularly through the experiences of young John Garnet, who finds himself entangled in a fateful altercation. The opening of the novel introduces a tense atmosphere as John Garnet leaves a tavern after an altercation that spirals into a deadly duel. The narrative first captures the public mood surrounding the controversial figure John Wilkes and then shifts to Garnet, who, wounded and disoriented, finds refuge in the house of a mysterious doctor, Katerfelto. The setting moves from the chaos of a London tavern to the quiet seclusion of Deadman's Alley, where he meets Waif, a captivating and enigmatic gipsy girl who becomes his nurse. The dynamics of their relationship begin to unfold, hinting at deeper themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of love and loyalty amidst the turbulent backdrop of the time.

R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore

Tales from the Telling-House

"Tales from the Telling-House" by R. D. Blackmore is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The narrative appears to delve into the lives and experiences of characters tied to the rugged landscapes of North Devon and Exmoor, intertwining elements of personal drama, folklore, and morality. The opening story introduces us to a few central characters, including the determined Sylvia Ford and her brave father, Sylvester, setting the stage for an examination of their struggles against societal norms and the menacing outlaws known as the Doones. The opening of the book paints a vivid picture of a foreboding yet beautiful Exmoor landscape, where the old-fashioned lifestyle leads to trials and conflicts. It begins with a reflective tone as Sylvia recalls her father’s past and their life of simplicity, which soon turns tragic when her father is killed by the infamous Doones. This paints a backdrop of loss and resilience, showcasing her emotional turmoil as she grapples with this violence and its implications on her life. The vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue introduce themes of honor, family, and the challenges of navigating life in a world fraught with danger. Through Sylvia's perspective, readers are drawn into a tale that promises adventure, moral dilemmas, and the enduring spirit of its characters against overwhelming odds.

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