
A sixteen‑year‑old boy finds himself stranded on the stark, wind‑blown island of Appledore, sent to stay with an aunt he barely knows. The relentless surf, the creaking willow trees that guard the old sea‑captain’s cottage, and the salty air stir a mixture of anger and reluctant awe in him as he watches the Atlantic’s endless rolls for the first time. His bitter thoughts about a idle summer are quickly challenged by the island’s raw beauty and the promise of something beyond his cramped routine.
Soon, the boy’s path crosses that of the enigmatic Captain Saulsby, a weather‑worn mariner whose stories of shipwrecks and ghostly lights hint at deeper secrets hidden among the cliffs. Alongside new friends, including the bright‑spirited Sally, he is drawn into whispered legends of the “Calling of Appledore” and the ever‑present threat of storm‑tossed peril. The stage is set for a summer of unexpected camaraderie, daring escapades, and the timeless pull of the sea.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (233K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2018-09-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1884–1973
An award-winning writer for young readers, she brought history, adventure, and everyday courage to life in books that stayed popular for decades. Her work as a novelist, biographer, teacher, and critic helped shape modern children's literature.
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