Summary of The Cone-Gatherers
In the autumn of 1943, Neil and Calum, two brothers, are working on a Scottish forest estate. Their task is to gather cones from trees that are to be felled to support the war effort, and to preserve the cones for replanting. However, the gamekeeper on the estate, John Duror, harbours an irrational hatred for the brothers, particularly for Calum, whose physical deformity as a hunchback arouses revulsion in him. He does all he can to have them removed from the forest.
Reasons to read The Cone-Gatherers
“The Cone-Gatherers” by Scottish writer Robin Jenkin is a highly symbolic tale about the conflict between good and evil, innocence and guilt, class division, and rebirth, set against the backdrop of an idyllic Scottish forest. It is considered a classic of 20th-century Scottish literature.
Setting: Argyll (Scotland, UK)
“The Cone-Gatherers” is likely inspired by Robin Jenkin’s own experiences as a conscientious objector during the Second World War, working in the forests of Argyll (Argyll Forest Park was the first forest park created in the UK). Jenkins later lived in Dunoon, also in Argyll (Scotland)
Original title: The Cone-Gatherers
Year of publication: 1955
Nr of pages: 240
