Young Art and Old Hector facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Neil M. Gunn |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Faber & Faber |
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Publication date
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1941 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 256 pp (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | 0-285-62254-4 (1976 new edition, paperback) |
| Preceded by | The Silver Darlings |
| Followed by | The Green Isle of the Great Deep |
Young Art and Old Hector is a novel written by Neil M. Gunn. It tells the story of an 8-year-old boy named "Young Art." He grows up in a small community called Clachdrum in the Scottish Highlands. The book shares many adventures and events from his life. Often, these events involve his wise friend and mentor, "Old Hector." The same characters also appear in Gunn's later fantasy novel, The Green Isle of the Great Deep.
The Story of Young Art
The book is mostly seen through the eyes of Art, who is eight years old. He comes from a big family. His father is often away fishing. Because of this, Old Hector becomes a very important figure in Art's life. Hector is a respected elder in the village. He knows many old stories and a lot about the local history. It is hinted throughout the book that Hector has a secret activity, which is fully revealed later.
Like many of Neil Gunn's books, the story is told in separate parts or episodes. Readers get to experience different events with Art. These include the local Highland Games, which are traditional Scottish sports and cultural festivals. We also see the exciting moment when Art's baby sister is born. Some parts of the book were even published elsewhere before the novel came out.
A big moment in the story happens when Art returns to a cave. He and a girl from the village once thought a wild animal lived there. Out of curiosity, Art goes back. He discovers a secret operation run by Hector and another local character, Red Douglas. Art's older brother, Donul, is also involved in this secret work. Art's discovery is very important. On his way to the cave, he meets three government agents. These agents are investigating Hector's activities.
Throughout the book, Art also dreams of reaching the River. He has never been there before. At first, he plans to go with Donul. But Donul has to leave to work on a cattle farm. So, it is Old Hector who eventually takes Art to see the River.
Main Ideas in the Book
The characters of Art and Hector show the big differences between youth and old age. Many people believe this book is one of the best stories about childhood ever written. It captures all the wonder, challenges, and pure happiness of being a young boy in a big, mysterious world.
Hector is like an ideal Gaelic seanachie, which means a wise storyteller. He knows so much about his local area and its history. But his wisdom also helps him understand bigger ideas, like fairness and land rights. For example, there's a place called the Clash. Art and Donul go there to catch rabbits early in the book. This is where Hector was born. His family, like many others, was moved from their homes during the Highland Clearances. Hector also cleverly leads the government agents to the Clash. He does this to distract them when they ask about his secret activities.
Art's role as a hero, who helps save Hector from the government agents, is a key idea. Neil Gunn would explore this idea even more in his next fantasy novel, The Green Isle of the Great Deep.
Art's success at the Highland Games is thought to be based on Neil Gunn's own life. Gunn himself was very good at sports and athletics.
Images for kids
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First edition cover of Young Art and Old Hector
