J. Macdonald (James Macdonald) Oxley
The Wreckers of Sable Island
"The Wreckers of Sable Island" by J. Macdonald Oxley is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the year 1799 as it follows a young boy named Eric Copeland, who embarks on a perilous journey across the Atlantic to reunite with his father in Nova Scotia. Amidst the tumultuous sea voyages and the mysteries of Sable Island, Eric encounters the darker side of human nature through the dangerous life of wreckers that prey on shipwrecks, revealing both adventure and deep moral questions. At the start of the novel, we meet Eric Copeland, a spirited and determined fifteen-year-old boy eager to join his father, a surgeon serving in the British army. Despite the anxiety of his grandfather about the dangers of the new world, Eric's resolve only strengthens after he learns of his father's request. The opening chapters detail his departure from Oakdene Manor, his challenges aboard the troop ship "Francis", and the fateful shipwreck near Sable Island during a violent storm. Eventually, he washes ashore alongside his loyal mastiff, Prince, only to discover he is not alone on the desolate island, as he comes face to face with men who lead a dangerous life as wreckers. The gripping narrative blends elements of adventure, peril, and the struggle for survival as Eric navigates his new reality.