summary

Summary

«Hatter’s Castle» is the first novel by Scottish author Archibald Cronin, published in 1931. The book tells the story of the life of the domineering and tyrannical James Brodie, who owns a hat shop in the fictional town of Levenford, Scotland, in 1879. With absolute control over his family and business, he aspires to social elevation, but his dreams and plans crumble due to a series of misfortunes and tragedies. As the plot unfolds, the reader witnesses events leading to the downfall of his «castle»—a symbol of his power and dreams. This emotional and dramatic novel touches on themes of ambition, pride, retribution, and the collapse of dreams, while also exploring the impact of one person on the lives of those around them.