A Princess of Thule

"A Princess of Thule" by William Black is a story about Sheila Mackenzie, the daughter of the King of Borva, whose departure deeply affects her family and community on the Hebridean island. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish landscape, the novel explores the impact of modern life on traditional ways as seen through the experiences of Sheila and her father, Mr. Mackenzie with themes of a community, love, and loss at the forefront. The opening scene shows Mr. Mackenzie sadly watching Sheila leave for London, which highlights Sheila’s important role as the caretaker for her father and the less fortunate on the island, foreshadowing challenges the island will face in her absence. Through her journey, the novel examines love, change, and the struggle to maintain traditional values in a rapidly evolving world.