Customer Reviews

The Fields of Bannockburn: A Novel of Christian Scotland from Its Origins to Independence

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I want to go to Scotland! The Fields of Bannockburn was totally engrossing. I was caught up in the book, by its history and its geography. I just had to know where all these places were! I'd read for a while, and then a placename would send me to the Scotland sections of Nicholson's Guide to Great Britain. The storyteller, Hamish, as the vehicle for the history of Scotland, was very believable as were the other characters. I had no trouble relating to Mary's quandry between her fiance back home in the States and Gareth in Scotland; it could have been me. Were I still teaching Language Arts in junior high school, I would and could recommend this book to that grade level. It would be a great adjunct to history, reading, and creative writing. What discussions one could have! What dreams of travel it could inspire: it would make one want to see the historic sites. My travel plans definitely will be guided by this book. Give it a try-you might want to go to Scotland, too.

This book goes well beyond your average historical fiction. Donna Fletcher Crow splendidly links four pieces of Scotland's history with a modern day line. Be sure to follow up on the modern day characters when they go to Ireland in The Banks of the Boyne.

Very well written account of Scottish christian history - a lovely perspective of the most influential characters. I'd love to read more of her work - this is meaty and substantive.

Being of Scottish descent, I was thrilled to find a novel which provided the meat of historical fact in such a palatable format. Anyone who saw Braveheart and wants to know more about the endless struggle for Scottish independence from England will be rewarded with total understanding by reading this book. Don't be put off by its length... it is very easy reading. Crow makes the characters come alive, and you find yourself engrossed and involved in their lives as history unfolds before you. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in exploring their ancestry and the heritage of faithful Scots.

I found out more about Scotland's history in this book than I ever have in history classes. It was captivating and I was deeply engrossed in the history as I read. The only reason I don't give this a 5 star rating is because I could have done without the modern day portions of the book.

Although this book is a long read at a little over 700 pages, it is a treat and should be read, especially by those interested in history. Passing through 1500 years of Scottish history, from the 5th century to the 1300s, we meet a host of characters both saintly and normal. Although this book is undeniably Christian, the characters are, with few exceptions, very realistic and approachable in their personas and their actions. The weakest part of the book would be the present day, as Mary is not a very interesting figure, but otherwise the book is excellent. Readers may question, though, why an American woman in a book released in 1996 would have no idea who William Wallace is just two years after "Braveheart" was released.

book dataThe Fields of Bannockburn: A Novel of Christian Scotland from Its Origins to Independence 4.07 avg rating, 14 ratings, 4 reviews, details edit

publishedJanuary 1996 by Moody Pr

detailsPaperback, 707 pages


find at: Amazon * WorldCat * more options...


status: Read in August, 2010, read count: one
notes: It is long, but a wonderful and easy read
recommended for: Teens and adults
review: I do not rate too many books as 5***** but this is one of them. From the first few chapters, I was mesmerized by the stories of Christian Scotland being spun by a sennachie(Scottish story teller) and also the other sotry intertwined within about a young American girl who travels to visit Scotland and visit a cousin before she gets married. The book is divided into four sections, book one, (6th cent) beginning with the early Christian saints, St.Ninian, St. Mungo(Kentigern) and St. Columba who he...more I do not rate too many books as 5***** but this is one of them. From the first few chapters, I was mesmerized by the stories of Christian Scotland being spun by a sennachie(Scottish story teller) and also the other story intertwined within about a young American girl who travels to visit Scotland and visit a cousin before she gets married. The book is divided into four sections, book one, (6th cent) beginning with the early Christian saints, St.Ninian, St. Mungo(Kentigern) and St. Columba who helped Christianize early Scotland. The majority of this section is about St. Columba, and his story is fascinating as it details his move from Ireland at the behest of the Lord to Christianize pagan Scotland. His deep faith and love which develops for his adopted lang is beautifully told in this section which documents several of his miracles as well as his conversion of a very stubborn pagan king, Brude, in Alba, and how his druid priest also becomes a Christian.
In between each section it goes back to Mary, her cousin Brad, and Brad's friend Gareth, as they travel through Scotland and hear the stories from Ahmish, a sennachie who accompanies them. Book two( 9th Cent.) tells of the Viking invasions and is devoted to Kenneth Mac Alpin, who is one of the early kings in Scotland. He united the Picts and Scots and began the joining together which would eventually become a country.
Book three tells of the Conquer of England by William in 1066, and how the royal family flees to Scotland to escape him. Margaret, who is to become Queen, marries Malcolm III. She is a very saintly woman who works with the poor and convinces her husband to help with her work. He loves her, and while he balks at first, he soon becomes her champion andworks with her to help the poor in the land. Margaret becomes the first saint of Scotland in the Roman church. It ends with their son, David becoming king.
Book 4 tells of William Wallace(of Braveheart fame)and his struggle to kepp Scotland as a country and rid it of the English who seek to conquer her. It tells of his battles, and his final execution in the Tower in London. It also tells of the cruelty of English King Edward to scotland and his efforts to destroy any scottish nationalism. Robert the bruch becomes king, and it is he who begins the work of uniting clans in Scotland to combine under one banner, the Saltire, and one country, Scotland. After several defeats, he finally routs the English at Bannickburn, and signs the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 with England.
Interwoven in each book in a minor love story, which is very enjoyable and gives a matter of peace amongst all of the battles. I love the ending, the final part of Mary's trip to Scotland, but will not spoil it for anyone.
For anyone who loves Historical novels, Christian Historical Novels, and Scotland. VERY highly recommended

I have read and reread The Fields of Bannockburn over the last 10 years or more. I keep returning to this novel for its historical narrative and the sweetly compelling and realistic modern-day story. Additionally, I particularly enjoyed the view of early Celtic Christianity, its organization and spread through time and from Iona to the mainland.

The history is very imformative and gives insight to Scottish struggles for independence. The love story helps to break up the history - and it is continued in another book, The Banks of Boyne. High schoolers and up will love it.

This is the first book of it's size I've managed to read through in over 20 years. Having recently visited some of the places in the book, such as Iona, I was captivated by the book.
It's well written, easy reading, accurate in most of it's facts, absolutely inspiring.
My only negative comment is about a pro-catholic bias of some characters such as Columcile, who was portayed as catholic while he was not, and the glowing account of Queen Margaret who in fact did enormous harm to the Celtic church.
Still worth reading!