Cameron of Lochiel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

53154

Title

Cameron of Lochiel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Translated from the French of Philippe Aubert de Gaspé, this historical romance follows Archibald Cameron of Lochiel, a Scottish exile who settles in French Canada. Blending folklore, chivalry, and the daily life of early New France, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, cultural identity, and the poignant transition from the French regime to British rule, offering a vivid portrait of a vanishing world.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the backdrop of 18th-century New France, *Cameron of Lochiel* chronicles the life of Archibald Cameron, a Scottish Highlander who finds refuge in Quebec following the fall of the city. Translated from the French original *Les Anciens Canadiens* by Philippe Aubert de Gaspé, the narrative intertwines the personal histories of French seigneurs and habitants with the broader political shifts of the era. Through the eyes of Archie and his close friend Jules D'Haberville, readers witness the vibrant customs of French Canada, including the solemn Feast of St. Jean-Baptiste, the perilous shipwreck of the *Auguste*, and the harsh realities of famine and war. The story serves as both a romance and a historical record, preserving songs, legends, and the 'clear amber' of a civilization rapidly changing under constitutional government. It highlights the deep bonds between the two races of Canada, the nobility's struggle to maintain their status after the conquest, and the enduring spirit of a people facing displacement. The text captures the deep affection between the French and English communities, exemplified by the loyalty of Archie, who, despite being an exile, chooses to remain in Canada to live among the simple, upright manners of the habitants. Key events include the tragic shipwreck of the *Auguste*, where many French families are lost, leaving survivors like Jules and his foster-brother José to recount their harrowing journey. The narrative also details the famine that struck the colony, forcing the inhabitants to rely on hunting and fishing for survival. The book is a tribute to the 'good gentleman' M. d'Egmont and the chivalry of the old regime, capturing a life of high ideals, family devotion, and courage before the old ways faded. Ultimately, it stands as a classic historical romance that fosters understanding between the two great branches of the Canadian people, preserving the memory of a unique and romantic past.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Canada