Plot Review
Patrick G. Cox’s book “Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” is a compelling piece of historical fiction about a young seafarer named Ned Farrier. The story takes place in South Africa and England in the middle of the 19th century. The author, Cox, does a great job of showing how sailors and settlers lived in this time period. He or she tells an interesting story that teaches readers about sailing terms, harsh realities, and the new frontiers of South Africa.
Ned Farrier, the main character of the book, is a likeable person who has changed a lot since his time in the London workhouse and the Vauxhall gentleman’s club. He has learned a lot about how to sail and is now the captain of his own merchant ship. But he just lost his young wife and child to consumption, which has left him with a strong desire for a better life. Ned moves up in his job and with his bosses over the course of the book, but his heart is always drawn to Sally Hudsmith, who is married and has her own problems.
The author does a great job building up Sally’s character and showing how hard it is for her to be a passenger on Ned’s ship. When Sally’s husband dies, she is once again a passenger, headed back to England, which no longer feels like home. The story follows their parallel lives as they write letters to each other. Their love for each other is clear.
Cox makes a true picture of how people lived on sailing ships and the new steamships of the time. The book is interesting to read because it tells about the difficulties of settling down in South Africa, which was then a new frontier, and the excitement of dating outside of England.
Overall, “Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” is a fun and interesting book that people who like historical fiction, sailing, and South African history will enjoy. Cox has done a great job of making a world that feels real and is filled with interesting characters and a compelling story.
Writing Style
“Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” is written in a way that is interesting, detailed, and fits the historical fiction genre well. The author, Patrick G. Cox, is very good at making readers feel like they are in the place and time of the book. He uses rich, detailed language to bring the characters and their surroundings to life and give readers a clear picture of what life was like in South Africa in the middle of the 19th century.
The story moves along at a good pace, with enough action and plot twists to keep readers interested and quieter parts for character development and thinking. The author does a great job of showing his characters’ inner lives and what drives them, so readers can relate to them and understand what they do.
The author’s attention to detail is one of the things that makes the writing style good. He uses his deep knowledge of sailing terms and historical context to give his characters a world that is real and believable. This care for detail makes the story feel more real and draws you into it.
The author tells the story from different points of view, which is another strength of the writing style. By following Ned and Sally’s stories at the same time, the author makes a multidimensional story that gives readers a full picture of what happens in the book.
Overall, “Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” has a great writing style. It combines rich description, attention to detail, and a well-paced story to make a story that is interesting and draws you in. The author is very good at writing historical fiction, and anyone who likes this type of book will find this one to be a satisfying and enjoyable read.
Potential Readers
“Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” is for people who like historical fiction, especially stories set in the 19th century, and are interested in seafaring and maritime history.
The book might also appeal to people who like romance and stories about how people change and grow. Ned and Sally’s relationship is a big part of the story, and their struggles and victories are shown with depth and sensitivity.
Overall, “Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” is a well-written work of historical fiction that will appeal to people who like stories set in a specific time and place, with interesting characters and a good plot.
Similar Books
If you have read or like to read books like,
“The Last Runaway” by Tracy Chevalier: Set in mid-19th century Ohio, this book follows a young English Quaker woman who becomes involved in the Underground Railroad.
“The Shipping News” by Annie Proulx: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a man who moves to Newfoundland to start a new life as a newspaper reporter and learn about his family’s seafaring past.
“The Crimson Petal and the White” by Michel Faber: Set in Victorian-era London, this novel follows a young prostitute who tries to improve her life and escape her circumstances.
“The English Patient” by Michael Ondaatje: Set in World War II-era Italy, this novel follows a nurse who cares for a severely burned and unidentified patient, and the stories that are slowly revealed about his past.
“Master and Commander” by Patrick O’Brian: The first book in the popular Aubrey-Maturin series, this novel follows the friendship and adventures of a British naval officer and his ship’s doctor during the Napoleonic Wars.
Then you must read “Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape”
Final Review
In conclusion, “Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” is a well-written and interesting work of historical fiction that will appeal to people who like stories about personal growth, adventure, and love set against a rich historical background. The book has strong characters, an accurate description of life on sailing ships and the problems faced by settlers in South Africa, and an inspiring story about finding happiness and a purpose in the face of hardship.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and wants to read a well-written, heartwarming story about how people can be strong and determined. It is also a good choice for people who are interested in maritime history or the growth of the British Empire.
Overall, “Ned Farrier Master Mariner: Call of the Cape” is a satisfying and enjoyable book that readers will remember for a long time.
