Five Windows follows the life of David Kirke beginning with his childhood growing up in a Scottish village. The author looked at David’s life through five different windows which represented the five places where he lived during his life up until he was in his early twenties. Starting off with his early years with his father, a minister in the local church, his mother and old Meg, it is a lovely story of family relationships and David’s journey into adult life. 
The First Window 
David’s early years with his parents were sheltered and lovingly nurtured. He developed a kind and sensitive nature with a deeply imbedded sense of morality that kept him anchored through the many changes and experiences of life. He experienced the loss of Malcolm, a local shepherd and a good friend when he enlisted as a soldier at the outbreak of the Second World War. David poured his grief into writing and discovered that he had a gift.
The Second Window
David moved away from his home in the village to Edinburgh to attend school. He lived with his Uncle Matthew here and met his Aunt Etta, whom his uncle considered to be quite mad. David enjoys visiting her and his kindness to her has an important consequence later on.
The Third Window
David decided to go to London instead of staying in Edinburgh working at his uncle’s business. When his initial plan to get accommodation with a friend falls through, he takes lodging in a dingy boarding house in the city. It was here where he discovered the darker side of human nature. David’s upbringing and his trusting nature made him easy to manipulate until he learned how to stand up against those who just wanted to take advantage of his generosity. Not one of residents of the boarding house, including the woman who ran the place, were agreeable people. They were all quite selfish, miserable, stingy and played on David’s lack of experience in dealing with opportunistic people.
The Fourth Window
After a couple of eye-opening situations, David realised that he had to get out of the boarding house. One day he inadvertently finds a place to let with a window looking out over a bookshop and his life takes a new direction.
The Fifth Window
I really like how D.E. Stevenson brings everything together in the final part of this book. David has matured and wisened up without becoming cynical in the process. Although disappointed by previous relationships he has made some good friends. He now knows what he wants to do with his life and who he wants to spend it with. 
Five Windows was written in the first person as D.E. Stevenson wanted to put herself, ‘into the skin of a little boy and see the world through his eyes.’ She did this admirably. The story is told in simple language. In the Foreword to her book, the author mentioned that people have criticised David and told her he was a sap – too good to be true:
‘But he is not intended to be a “hero.” And surely, even in this sophisticated world, there must still be Davids. Perhaps they feel a little bewildered when they venture forth and meet with dragons. David did not know much about Life, he did not even know much about himself…I think it would be true to say that Five Windows gave me more pleasure to write than any of my other books.’
Highly recommended as an encouraging and gentle ''coming of age'' story.
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