The story in one page
When young John Ridd loses his father to the murderous Doone clan, he doesn't expect to fall for their stolen ward, Lorna. John grows into a man of immense physical power, tending his Devon farm while secretly visiting Lorna in the outlaws’ hidden valley. As the Monmouth Rebellion brings soldiers and chaos to the West Country, the Doones’ tyranny reaches a breaking point. John must balance his loyalty to the King and his family with a dangerous plan to extract Lorna from her savage guardians. The narrative follows their survival through harsh winters, local skirmishes, and a final, bloody interruption to their wedding vows.
Who's who
- John Ridd
A powerful farmer seeking justice for his father and Lorna's hand.
- Lorna Doone
A girl of noble birth held by the predatory Doone clan.
- Tom Faggus
A famous highwayman on a strawberry mare who marries John's sister.
- Jeremy Stickles
A King's messenger who coordinates the legal efforts against the outlaws.
- The Doones
A family of high-born outlaws terrorizing the Exmoor countryside.
What it's really about
- Strength and Gentleness
- John's physical power contrasts with his simple, honest nature.
- Justice vs. Outlawry
- The conflict between established law and the Doones' private code.
Why it's memorable
- John climbing the icy Bagworthy water-slide to discover the hidden Doone valley for the first time.
- Tom Faggus's strawberry mare Winnie jumping off Barnstaple Bridge to escape a military trap.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
After Carver Doone shoots Lorna at the altar, John hunts him into the mire where Carver sinks; Lorna survives to live a long life as John's wife.
For your book club
- Is John's narration genuinely humble, or is his constant self-deprecation a form of pride?
- How does the harsh Exmoor winter act as a primary antagonist for the farming community?