# Dedication explained — Catriona

> Chapter companion for Catriona by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Robert Louis Stevenson dedicates the book to his friend Charles Baxter, reflecting on the passage of time, the fate of sequels, and the enduring spirit of youth in Edinburgh. He evokes memories of their shared explorations and hopes that a new generation will find joy in tracing the paths of David Balfour through the city's familiar places. Stevenson muses on the continuity of generations and the romance of destiny, writing from his distant home in Samoa.

## Themes in this chapter

### Exile and Belonging

Stevenson writes from Samoa, far from his native Edinburgh, expressing a deep connection to his homeland and the stream of lives that shaped him.

## Character check-ins

### David Balfour

Referenced as the protagonist whose adventures are the subject of the sequel, left waiting in the British Linen Company's office.

## Key lines

> It is the fate of sequels to disappoint those who have waited for them; and, my David having been left to kick his heels for more than a lustre in the British Linen Company's office, must expect his late reappearance to be greeted with hoots, if not with missiles.

Sequels often let down eager readers, and since David has been idle for over five years, his return may be met with jeers or worse.

_Stevenson acknowledges the risk of disappointing readers after a long delay._

> There should be left in our native city some seed of the elect; some long-legged, hotheaded youth must repeat today our dreams and wanderings of so many years ago.

I hope there remains in Edinburgh a spirited young person who will relive the dreams and adventures we once shared.

_Stevenson expresses hope that a new generation will find joy in the same explorations._

> And I admire and bow my head before the romance of destiny.

I humbly respect the mysterious and poetic nature of fate.

_Stevenson concludes with a reflection on destiny's role in his life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters/dedication
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters