The Orphans of Glen Elder" by Margaret M. Robertson is a poignant family saga set amidst the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands during the 19th century. The novel follows the lives of orphaned siblings who find themselves navigating the challenges of rural community life and forging their paths to adulthood. As they grow up in Glen Elder, each sibling undergoes a personal journey of coming of age, marked by resilience and determination. They form lasting connections with their neighbors and fellow villagers, discovering the strength of community bonds in times of adversity. The novel intricately weaves together their individual stories, highlighting the emotional journey of each sibling as they confront their past, navigate present challenges, and strive for a hopeful future. throughout the narrative, Robertson paints a vivid picture of 19th-century Scottish rural life, capturing the beauty of the Highlands and the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants. The novel explores themes of family, resilience, and personal growth, as the orphans learn to overcome their hardships and forge their own destinies amidst the rugged landscape. "The Orphans of Glen Elder" is not just a tale of survival but a testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative power of community. Robertson's richly detailed portrayal of characters and setting creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into a world where personal resilience and community support are essential for building a brighter tomorrow.
Margaret Murray Robertson (22 April 1823 – 14 February 1897) was a Scottish-Canadian teacher and writer. Margaret was born in Stuart field, Scotland, 22 April 1823, the daughter of Reverend James Robertson, Congregational minister. In 1864, she won the Galt Prize essay competition with an essay titled "An Essay on Common School Education." At the age of 42, Margaret left her teaching career to become a full-time writer. Her first novel, Christie Redfern's Troubles, was published in 1866. During her writing career, she had 14 or more novels published up through 1890. Most of the protagonists in her novels were female, and the themes were of home and family. According to a contemporary, Robertson was a brilliant conversationalist, intelligent and highly regarded by her acquaintances. She was neither demonstrative nor emotional. Although, as a teacher, she was devoted to her pupils, she never called a student by a pet name; instead, she looked to the intellect. Correspondingly, her students revered rather than loved her. Except when writing, she knitted constantly – “not fancy knitting, but plain, useful stockings,” which she gave to poor boys. In one winter she knitted 96 pairs. To the end she retained a strong modesty about her novels despite their popularity, and she lived so quietly in Montreal that her death and private funeral, in February 1897, nearly passed unnoticed.
