The Master of Ballantrae

Summary

«The Master of Ballantrae» is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson that tells the tragic story of two brothers, James and Henry Durie, whose lives intertwine against the backdrop of 18th-century historical events. James, the elder brother, supports the Jacobites in their uprising against the English king, while Henry remains loyal to the crown. After the Jacobites' defeat, James is presumed dead but returns to claim his inheritance and title. A conflict erupts between the brothers, leading to a series of betrayals, intrigues, and tragedies. The novel explores themes of honor, betrayal, and family ties, illustrating how ambition and jealousy can destroy lives.