Subject
Cornwall (England : County) -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Eleanora H. Stooke
Salome's burden : $b or, the shadow on the homes
"Salome's Burden, or the Shadow on the Homes" by Eleanora H. Stooke is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers on a fourteen-year-old girl named Salome Petherick, who is crippled and lives in a small village in Cornwall with her father, Josiah. The narrative explores themes of familial struggle, as Salome endures her father's descent into alcoholism while striving to maintain her home and garden. The beginning of the novel introduces Salome as a kind and resilient character, who, despite her disability, endeavors to care for her father and manage their household. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque fishing village, the opening chapters outline Salome's internal conflicts fueled by her father's increasing dependence on drink and their societal struggles. As she navigates her painful reality, discussions with the local vicar and her budding interactions with a new wealthy family in town hint at the complex dynamics of social class, morality, and personal sacrifice that will likely unfold throughout the story.
George Manville Fenn
Menhardoc
"Menhardoc" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a picturesque Cornish fishing village and revolves around Mr. Temple and his twin sons, Arthur and Richard, who are on summer holiday there. The distinction between the brothers is stark: Arthur, the more foppish, dislikes getting his hands dirty, while Richard is adventurous and eager to explore the local life, including fishing and mining, common to the area. The opening of the novel introduces the two brothers as they settle into their summer retreat. Richard, also known as Will, quickly befriends a local fisherman named Josh Helston while engaging in fishing expeditions, uncovering the dynamics of village life, and learning about the area’s rich fishing and mining activities. The narrative sets the stage for Will’s adventurous spirit as he seeks knowledge, navigates family dynamics, and ventures into dangerous territories, such as abandoned mines. The tone hints at both excitement and peril, promising thrilling experiences ahead while exploring the historical backdrop of Cornwall's fishing and mining practices.
Eglanton Thorne
The wizard's cave
"The Wizard's Cave" by Eglanton Thorne is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the escapades of two young brothers, Duke and Noel Bryden, as they embark on a thrilling journey filled with exploration and danger in a picturesque Cornish setting. The story is likely to capture the joys and perils of childhood accompanied by themes of bravery, family bonds, and the constant quest for adventure. The narrative unfolds as the boys arrive at Egloshayle House to spend their holidays with their mother. The setting provides the backdrop for their explorations of the surrounding nature, particularly a mysterious cave, where they discover a hidden treasure linked to a local legend. Their excitement quickly turns to danger when they encounter nefarious characters seeking the treasure for themselves. Throughout the book, Duke's bravery and Noel's steadfastness are put to the test, culminating in a series of heart-pounding moments that require them to rely on each other and their wits to escape peril. The story emphasizes the importance of courage, the strength of sibling bonds, and the moral choice to guard a secret worth protecting, making it an engaging read for young adventurers.
R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines
"Deep Down, A Tale of the Cornish Mines" by R. M. Ballantyne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with a young man named Oliver Trembath, who journeys to Cornwall in search of fortune and adventure. In the opening chapters, Oliver's character is introduced as a spirited youth full of vigor and a sense of exploration, setting the stage for a narrative that delves into the lives and challenges faced by individuals in the mining community. The opening of the tale begins with Oliver arriving in Penzance, where he quickly finds himself lost on his way to St. Just. Despite initial setbacks, he encounters a cottage where he assists a woman and her injured son, showcasing both his medical skills and his willingness to help others. As his journey continues, he meets a grumpy old gentleman whose unpredictable advice sends him further astray. Through a series of engaging interactions, including a tumultuous encounter with local fishermen, Oliver's character begins to evolve, hinting at the adventures and conflicts that the larger mining narrative will unveil. This introduction sets an adventurous tone, hinting at both camaraderie and the challenges that lie ahead in the rugged environment of Cornwall.
Mabel Quiller-Couch
The Mean-Wells
"The Mean-Wells" by Mabel Quiller-Couch is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of three siblings—Priscilla, Geoffrey, and Loveday—focusing on their childhood adventures and reflections. The narrative captures themes of sibling relationships, childhood innocence, and the trials of growing up, all portrayed through the endearing and often humorous interactions among the characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the dynamics between the siblings as they discuss the fairness surrounding rewards for losing teeth, igniting a debate between Priscilla and Geoffrey. The chapter showcases a vivid day in their life, full of activities such as a tooth extraction for Loveday, painting, driving, and a visit to a toy shop. Loveday’s excitement over her new paint box contrasts with Priscilla's grievances about inequality regarding rewards from their parents. This interplay sets the tone for the exploration of their childhood experiences, brimming with adventures and whimsy, inviting readers into a nostalgic and charming world of family life.
George Manville Fenn
Sappers and Miners: The Flood beneath the Sea
"Sappers and Miners: The Flood beneath the Sea" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Cornwall, primarily around an ancient tin mine, and revolves around the characters Colonel Pendarve, his son Gwyn, and their friend Joe Jollivet, as they navigate themes of adventure, risk, and the enduring allure of hidden wealth. The opening sets a light yet suspenseful tone, hinting at an exploration of both the physical and metaphorical depths of the mine, as well as the boys' daring curiosity. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the Pendarve family enjoying a breakfast filled with lively conversation about fishing and local gossip, which touches on the past riches of the old Ydoll mine. Gwyn, a spirited young boy, is eager to explore the ancient mine despite his father's cautions, and his friendship with Joe Jollivet adds camaraderie to their adventurous spirit. The plot quickly escalates as the boys, intrigued by a local captain’s claims of treasure, begin their exploration, leading to a harrowing incident when Gwyn descends into the mine only to encounter a life-threatening situation. This thrilling opening sets the stage for a tale woven with suspense and discovery, appealing to readers who enjoy adventure and the unconventional paths children may take in search of excitement.
George Gladstone
Waiting for sailing orders : $b Fisher-life at the Land's End.
"Waiting for Sailing Orders: Fisher-Life at the Land's End" by Mrs. George Gladstone is a Christian juvenile story written in the late 19th century. Set among Cornish fishers at Newlyn, it follows the devout Trevan family—father John, mother Philippa, their twin daughters Dorothy and Judith, and venerable Captain Nance—as work, weather, and faith shape their days while they yearn for the return of a long-lost prodigal son, Willy. The narrative blends local seafaring life with moral reflection and Scripture, using “sailing orders” as a tender metaphor for death and readiness to meet God. The opening of the tale introduces bustling mackerel fishing in Mount’s Bay, the respected skipper John Trevan and his crew, and the homelife anchored by Philippa and her Bible-loving father, Captain Nance. We learn the family’s “great sorrow”: Willy, once wayward, ran off years earlier after stealing from his mother, leaving them to pray and hope. Amid twin birthday celebrations, the old sailor recounts sons lost at sea, and the family visit Land’s End, sing Wesley’s hymn, and hear lighthouse lore and giant legends. Further excursions to St. Michael’s Mount bring stories of St. Michael’s chair, “Jack the Giant-killer,” and Judith’s retelling of David and Goliath, sharpening the book’s moral and scriptural tone. Dorothy strives to master her temper and studies, the girls comfort their mother on Willy’s birthday with prayer on Paul Hill, and village life unfolds through Midsummer Eve bonfires and a trip to the Logan Rock, where a local recounts how it was toppled and reset—rich scene-setting that frames the family’s faith, work, and waiting.
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