A tale of love and envy
on eighteenth century England's waterways
AMAZON UK £9.99
AMAZON US $3.19
AMAZON CA $3.90
Family drama / nautical
1700s
England
George Cartwright’s
father dies after an altercation with Billy, the son of his rival, Nathaniel
Cryer. A heart attack was the cause, but Billy finds himself accused of murder
and is sentenced to transportation, but is apparently drowned during the sea
voyage.
The feud between the two
families expands as the Cartwrights do well for themselves while the Cryers’
desire for vengeance grows darker.
Set in the harsh world
of the bargemen of the late eighteenth century, the descriptions of river and
canal life seem well-researched, depicting the trade and daily life of these
water-world highways that were essential to the expanding trade of the
industrial revolution.
The story is perhaps a
little ‘tell’ not ‘show’ in style, and there were a few clichés and oft-used
phrases (‘mind’s-eye’, ‘smouldered with rage’) which are a shame, as I think
the author has the ability to be more imaginative with his words, as shown by
his delightful descriptions of the rivers, canals, boats and wildlife. And
perhaps a run-through by an editor would have picked up the inconsistencies of
using fourteen-year-old but 12th Century (twelfth century would have
been better).
However, as something a
bit different, and for lovers of all things boats, this is a tale worth reading
– especially if you happen to be taking a vacation along the backwaters of the
English canals.
© Anne Holt
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