A river outing turns tense in a tale of courage, duty, and family ties.
A day of sunshine and laughter becomes a test of nerve when a boating accident leaves one young man in peril and the others scrambling to survive the rising, treacherous tide.
Set against a bustling Victorian backdrop, the story follows a close-knit household as fear, hope, and duty collide with social expectations. The community’s kindness and the fault lines between wealth and hardship shape the characters’ choices and their paths forward after the incident.
- A suspenseful river scene that tests nerve and seamanship in a fragile boat.
- Quiet, compassionate portrayals of family, friends, and neighbors reacting to crisis.
- Character sketches that explore courage, pride, and endurance under pressure.
- A thoughtful look at how sudden tragedy reshapes a family’s world and faith.
Ideal for readers of period dramas who value human warmth and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Charles Lamb (1775a1834) is an English essayist best known for his "Tales from Shakespeare," which he produced with his sister, Mary Lamb (1764a1847).
Marina Warner is a prizewinning author of fiction, criticism, and history.