The Gowk Storm (Canongate Classic) - Softcover

A 'gowk storm' is an untimely fall of snow in early Spring - a fitting symbol for the anguished story that unfolds in this novel. Like Chekov's famous play, and even more like the real-life Bront s whose story she told in another book, Morrison tells the story of three girls who were born to a minister and his wife in a remote Highland manse, nearly a hundred years ago. It is narrated by the youngest sister, Lisbet, who describes the love affairs of her older sisters, Julia and Emmy, each of whom falls in love with a man deemed an unacceptable match by their patriarchal, rigid and prejudiced society. These societal strictures are set against approaching womanhood, the growing awareness of a life beyond the safety of home, and the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside.

A 'gowk storm' is an untimely fall of snow in early Spring - a fitting symbol for the anguished story that unfolds. Nearly a hundred years ago three girls were born to minister and his wife in a remote Highland manse. The rigid and patriarchal structure of those times is set against approaching womanhood and its growing awareness of life beyond the safety of home and the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside.