Emily Sarah Holt
Out in the Forty-Five
Duncan Keith's Vow
"Out in the Forty-Five, or Duncan Keith's Vow," by Emily Sarah Holt, is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of 1745 during the Jacobite uprisings, the story is narrated in a diary format by Caroline Courtenay, the youngest daughter of a country squire, as she explores her family's dynamics, societal expectations, and the politics of her time. Through her insights, readers can expect to delve into themes of personal growth, relationships, and the contrast between traditional values and emerging ideas. At the start of the novel, we meet Caroline and her three sisters living in the secluded setting of Brocklebank Fells. The unfolding narrative portrays Caroline's observations and interactions within her family, particularly with her Aunt Kezia, who often chastises the girls for their frivolity. The sisters' individual personalities are highlighted through their conversations: from Hatty's teasing nature to Sophy's practicality, which contrasts with Caroline's reflections on their lives as they navigate societal norms and their respective desires. With hints of political turmoil lurking beneath their domestic concerns, the opening establishes a rich exploration of character and context that continues to develop as the story progresses.