Penny Plain

O. Douglas was the pen name of Anna Buchan (1877-1948), a Scottish novelist best known for her keenly observed portrayals of domestic life and small-town society in early 20th-century Scotland. She was the daughter of a Free Church of Scotland minister and the sister of the prominent writer and diplomat John Buchan, author of 'The Thirty-Nine Steps.' Douglas began writing under her pen name partly to distinguish her work from that of her famous brother, choosing 'O. Douglas' as a nod to her love for the poetry of Walter Scott. Her novels often reflect her affection for her home country and her insightful examination of the lives and values of its inhabitants. 'Penny Plain' is one of her most celebrated works, a heartwarming narrative that intertwines themes of family, community, and the personal growth of its characters. Written in a clear, descriptive style, the book encapsulates Douglas's flair for creating vivid settings and relatable, endearing characters, attributes which endeared her to a substantial early 20th-century readership. Her works are prized for their gentle satire, humor, and compassionate understanding of human nature, and her literary contributions offer a charming window into Scottish life during this period.