Thrice Armed

by Harold Bindloss

"Thrice Armed" by Harold Bindloss is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Jim Wheelock, a young man who, after training in the British Navy, returns to Vancouver to support his ailing father, Tom Wheelock, and manage the family’s struggling shipping business. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, familial bonds, and the struggles against forces both natural and man-made in the rugged coastal environment. At the start of the book, Jim arrives on board the coasting schooner "Tyee", reflecting on his recent transition from dignified naval life to the hard, unrefined world of a fishing vessel. He learns that his father has fallen into disrepair both physically and financially, largely due to the predatory capitalist practices of a man named Merril, who holds a bond on the "Tyee". As Jim navigates the harsh realities of his father’s situation, the reader is introduced to his supportive friend, Prescott, and the struggles against treachery and adversity that await both men. This opening sets a poignant tone filled with challenges and responsibilities that shape their characters and the unfolding story.