Full Description
Set in the countryside near Penzance in the early nineteenth century, this engaging novel chronicles the fortunes of the narrator, John Penrose, a farm labourer's son. Peopled with a gallery of deftly drawn characters - squires, sextons, vengeful gypsies and gamekeepers - it tells of young Jack's adventures, from poaching on the moors and falling in with smugglers to hiding in a cave and a near-fatal skirmish. Throughout, the author's intimate knowledge and love of his native Cornwall shine through, in lyrical evocations of the countryside and coast and in vivid descriptions of wildlife - foxes, badgers, seals and a host of other creatures. A thoroughly entertaining read, John Penrose offers a fascinating and memorable portrait of life in rural Cornwall.
Contents
Contents Introduction John's Parentage Early Memories Lost in the Reed-bed Sent to School A Great Adventure Christmas Market A Young Emigrant The Prize Distribution Goes to Work The Fisherman Caught In Trouble Forget-me-nots A Heavy Responsibility The Dead Fox Mysterious Happenings A Memorable Journey The Gipsy Queen Among Smugglers The Honour of Lanyon The Old Story Love and Death The Great Winter Loveday at Forest Carn Foul Play Revenge Felton Outwitted The Pedlar's Story At the Flora Disgrace and Despair Turns Poacher In a Quandary A Guilty Conscience A Ghost Story A Night on the Moor Goodbye to Dickie Romeo and Juliet The Fight Outlawed Joy-bells Glossary
