"The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale" is a novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson. The book was first published in 1889 and is set in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745 in Scotland. It tells the story of two brothers, James Durie and Henry Durie, who are on opposite sides of the conflict. The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of political and personal choices. The narrative is framed as a mystery, as it follows the fate of the two brothers and their conflicting paths. The Master of Ballantrae, James Durie, is a complex and enigmatic character whose actions and decisions drive the plot forward. The story is rich in historical and atmospheric details, capturing the rugged landscapes of Scotland and the tumultuous period in which it is set.
