Reuben the Fisherman. By William Webster. (S.P.C.K. 2s.)— Reuben is
a foundling, but grows up to manhood unaware of the fact, and becoming tired of cobbling and the nagging of an aunt, goes to the fishing at Lowestoft. How he meets a man who is looking for a son lost in infancy, and the subsequent clearing up of all mysteries but one, must be left to the reader. The plot and the story are distinctly good, but what we must praise the narrative for is the life and colour of the herring-fishing, which makes such an effective background to the figures of Reuben and the "Mad Captain." It is a fresh, healthy tale, with some vigorous touches in it, and will bring home to boys something of the trying and strenuous life on board the "herring-drifter" and the trawler. It is time that our young folk who have the leisure to read should realise how hard men on whom we depend for much of our food and luxuries have to work, and that the sea is the finest school for turning out men there is. Reuben the Fisherman will give boys this knowledge, and a good tale as well; and we can heartily recommend it for these two excellent reasons.
Previous page
