Canoemates: A Story of the Florida Reef and Everglades

by Kirk Munroe

"Canoemates: A Story of the Florida Reef and Everglades" by Kirk Munroe is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the adventures of a young boy named Sumner Rankin, who is eager to escape his life of poverty in Key West and embarks on a canoe trip with his wealthy companions, the Mantons. The narrative unfolds in the picturesque yet challenging setting of the Florida Reef and the Everglades, highlighting themes of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Sumner, a skilled sailor and a dreamer who feels trapped in a life of genteel poverty with his mother after the death of his naval officer father. His feelings of jealousy arise when he sees wealthy boys with beautiful cedar canoes, stirring a desire for adventure and exploration within him. As he encounters the Mantons, who are visiting Key West for a canoeing expedition, Sumner's pride initially leads him to refuse their offer to join. However, incidents involving storms and canoe mishaps ultimately forge a path into adventure, testing Sumner's character and skills as they navigate the exquisite yet perilous waters of the reef.