- Listenly
- Public Library
- Arthur Quiller-Couch
- Nicky-Nan, Reservist
Chapters
28 totalI. HOW THE CHILDREN PLAYED. - II. CALL TO ARMS. - III. HOW THE MEN WENT. - IV. THE FIRST SERMON. - V. THE ANONYMOUS LETTER. - VI. TREASURE TROVE. - VII. "QUID NON MORTALIA PECTORIA..." - VIII. BUSINESS AS USUAL. - IX. THE BROKEN PANE. - X. THE VICAR'S MISGIVINGS. - XI. THE THREE PILCHARDS. - XII. FIRST ATTEMPT AT HIDING. - XIII. FIRST AID. - XIV. POLSUE V PENHALIGON, NANJIVELL INTERVENING. - XV. THE 'TATY PATCH. - XVI. CORPORAL SANDERCOCK. - XVII. THE SECOND SERMON. - XVIII. FEATHERS. - XIX. I-SPY-HI! - XX. MISS OLIVER PROFFERS ASSISTANCE. - XXI. FAIRY GOLD. - XXII. SALVAGE. - XXIII. ENLIGHTENMENT, AND RECRUITING. - XXIV. THE FIRST THREE. - NICKY-NAN, RESERVIST. - CHAPTER I. - HOW THE CHILDREN PLAYED.
CHAPTER II. - CALL TO ARMS. - NESCIO QUA NATALE SOLUM DULCEDINE CUNCTOS DUCIT ET IMMEMORES NON SINIT ESSE SUI.
CHAPTER III. - HOW THE MEN WENT.
NOTICE TO MEN OF ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE TO JOIN THE ROYAL NAVY.
CHAPTER IV. - THE FIRST SERMON.
"WHAT?"
CHAPTER V. - THE ANONYMOUS LETTER.
CHAPTER VI. - TREASURE TROVE.
CHAPTER VII. - "QUID NON MORTALIA PECTORA..."
CHAPTER VIII. - BUSINESS AS USUAL.
Description
In the sleepy coastal hamlet of Polpier, life sways to the rhythm of tides and the chatter of fishermen. As news of a looming war drifts ashore, the village’s children seem more aware of the conflict than the adult Nicky‑Nan, who is preoccupied with his own affairs. The local fleet, a mix of seasoned drifters and reluctant reservists, passes the morning papers around the cuddy lamp, trying to make sense of distant headlines while hauling nets in search of pilchards.
The narrative paints a vivid picture of a community caught between the ordinary concerns of harvest and the unsettling rumblings of Europe. Uncle Benny Rowett, the fleet’s patriarch, offers homespun philosophy that blends prayer, practical concerns about steam trawlers, and a wry sense of humor. Against this backdrop, Nicky‑Nan’s casual detachment begins to crack as the town’s quiet routine faces the first tangible signs of a war that may soon reach even the most remote shoreline.
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Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (417K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-04-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
About the author
Arthur Quiller-Couch
1863–1944
Best known by the pen name “Q,” this Cornish writer helped shape generations of readers through his fiction, criticism, and classic poetry anthologies. His work ranges from lively adventure stories to influential reflections on how literature should be read and enjoyed.
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