Sail Ho! A Boy at Sea

"Sail Ho! A Boy at Sea" by George Manville Fenn is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. It follows the adventures of a seventeen-year-old boy named Alison Dale, who embarks on his first sea voyage aboard the ship Burgh Castle. The narrative hints at themes of courage, friendship, and the conflicts that arise during the voyage, especially with the crew and among the passengers. The opening of the story introduces Alison as he navigates the chaotic environment of the shipyard, where he is about to set sail. Here, he encounters a mix of characters, including his fellow midshipman Nicholas Walters and a rough crew led by an abrasive captain. The atmosphere is charged with tension, signaled by an accident during the rigging process, and foreshadowing a mutiny led by a problematic crew member named Jarette. Additionally, Alison's internal musings reveal his eagerness for adventure, coupled with the uncertainties of a new experience at sea. This sets the stage for a series of thrilling events that will challenge his resolve and test his seamanship skills. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Manville Fenn was a prolific English novelist, journalist, editor and educationalist. Many of his novels were written with young adults in mind. His final book was his biography of a fellow writer for juveniles, George Alfred Henty.