Highland Ballad

"Highland Ballad" by Christopher Leadem is a story set in Scotland after the tragic Culloden battle, where a young woman named Mary Scott tries to find her place again in a broken world still under English rule. Sixteen-year-old Mary is sad about the loss of those she loves, especially her brother Michael, and lives in a gloomy world because of it. As she deals with the loss and visits her brother's grave, the memory of their special bond highlights themes of love that go beyond family. The arrival of her aunt brings up secrets about her family, including the truth about who her parents are, which makes problems for her with the new leader, Stephen Purceville, a person she has complicated feelings for. The book examines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and what people expect from their family. Mary goes on an emotional journey to find herself in a country still suffering from past conflicts.