A Window in Thrums
On the bump of green around which the brae twists, at the top of the brae, and within cry of T'nowhead Farm, still stands a one-story house, whose whitewashed walls, streaked with the discoloration that rain leaves, look yellow when the snow comes. In the old days the stiff ascent left Thrums behind, and where is now the making of a suburb was only a poor row of dwellings and a manse, with Hendry's cot to watch the brae. The house stood bare, without a shrub, in a garden whose paling did not go all the way around, the potato pit being only kept out of the road, that here sets off southward, by a broken dyke of stones and earth. On each side of the slate-colored door was a window of knotted glass. Ropes were flung over the thatch to keep the roof on in wind. Into this humble abode, I would take anyone who cares to accompany me. But you must not come in a contemptuous mood, thinking that the poor are but a stage removed from beasts of burden, as some cruel writers of these days say; nor will I have you turn over with your foot the shabby horse-hair chairs that Leeby kept so speckless, and Hendry weaved for years to buy, and Jess so loved to look upon.
A Window in Thrums
This scarce novel is one of several books set in the fictional Scottish village of Thrums and written by Sir James Matthew Barrie. Said to be modeled on Barrie's own hometown, Thrums provides the setting for a tragic novel rich in uncanny details of contemporary Scottish life and interwoven with a sad tale that deeply resonates with the life of the author. A must-read for any collector of Barrie's work and for those who have read and enjoyed his other books set in Thrums, this haunting novel is sure to be remembered and deserves its place atop any bookshelf. James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best known for his timeless play, Peter Pan. Other notable works by this author include Licht Idylls (1889) and Little Minister (1891). Originally published in 1889, this rare classic is proudly republished here with an introductory biography of the author.
A Window in Thrums