A Time to Keep

Setting

• The story is set in Orkney, as is common in Brown's works, providing a backdrop of the island's unique landscape and culture.

• The description of the surroundings is used to create tension and intensity, as seen when threatening weather is depicted, with the sky described as "grey as oysters, purple as mussels, and the sun slid through thickening clouds."

• The setting is closely linked to the livelihood of the protagonist, Bill, and other islanders. It can be both a source of sustenance and a potential threat to their lives.

• The natural environment, with its seasonal cycles and weather patterns, plays a crucial role in the characters' lives. For example, Bill's harvest is described as a "bounty of fulfillment" when blessed by the wind, highlighting the setting as a provider.

• Gossip and community interaction are significant in this small Orkney community. Gossip serves as a means of communication and acquiring information, and it often influences the characters' perceptions and actions. When Mr. Sinclair arrives, a group of old women waits eagerly for gossip, and gossip is mentioned as a way that Mr. Sinclair becomes aware of various issues and grievances in the community.

• The setting in 'A Time to Keep' reflects the close-knit nature of the island community, where news and rumours spread quickly and have a significant impact on the characters' lives.