Wrecked in Port: A Novel

Set against the faded grandeur of a country boarding school, the story opens with the impending death of the beloved headmaster, Mr. Ashurst. The news spreads through the corridors like gossip, sparking a mix of dread and scheming among the pupils. Among them, the restless Sam Baker—always ready with a quick‑drawn coin and a taste for mischief—finds himself torn between the thrill of rebellion and a genuine, unexpected affection for the ailing teacher.

Through Sam’s eyes, the novel paints a vivid picture of summer‑lit meadows, a lazy river, and the quiet, thatched house that houses the dying headmaster’s bedroom. The narrative balances humor and pathos, revealing the tight‑knit world of students, masters, and the subtle power struggles that unfold when authority wavers. As the first term draws to a close, loyalties shift and hidden ambitions emerge, inviting listeners to wonder how far Sam—and his friends—will go when the school’s future hangs in the balance.