A Window in Thrums

J. M. Barrie

Sep 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

A Window in Thrums is a sorrowful tale about the lonely life of old Jess in the Scottish countryside. Excerpt: "On the bump of a green round 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..."

About the author

Sir James Matthew Barrie, more commonly known as J. M. Barrie, was a distinguished Scottish novelist and playwright, whose literary contributions have left an indelible mark on children's literature and theatre. Born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Angus, Barrie's early childhood and the loss of his older brother deeply influenced his writing, infusing it with themes of innocence, fantasy, and escapism. He attended the University of Edinburgh and later moved to London, where he initially worked as a journalist before achieving fame as a writer. Barrie's rich and eloquent storytelling often evoked the pastoral life of his native Scotland. One such notable work is 'A Window in Thrums' (1889), an evocative exploration of small-town life in Thrums, a fictionalized version of Kirriemuir, where his acute observation of character and locality provides a vivid portrait of Victorian society and values. Barrie's literary style is characterized by a whimsical charm and an ability to delve into the human psyche with emotional depth and poignant nostalgia. However, it is his masterpiece 'Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up' (1904) that secured his international reputation, enchanting audiences with its timeless tale of childhood and adventure. Barrie was bestowed a baronetcy in 1913 in recognition of his literary achievements and philanthropic work, including his support for the Great Ormond Street Hospital for children in London. He passed away on June 19, 1937, but the legacy of his work continues to inspire and captivate generations of readers and theater-goers. J. M. Barrie's unique literary voice remains a beacon of imaginative storytelling and an important figure within the literary canon of the United Kingdom and beyond.