A gloriously moving and entertaining, picaresque debut novel, about a young man-s sentimental education in late 19th-Century Europe; inspired by a real historical figure: -Captain- Paul Boyton - the -Fearless Frogman---But who among you might assist me on this adventure?- the Captain shouts.And then the Captain-s eyes fall on me, as was his plan all along, and he points me out, making sure just so-s everyone can see.-What about you, sir?--Me?--A strong young man to journey with me across the wild continent, to support me in my life-saving work, and take the name of his village to the farthest corners of civilisation - and paid a wage, of course!--Of course!- everyone shouts.- The 1880s are drawing to a close, and 14(-maybe-15)-year-old Daniel Bones fears that the prospects for him and his younger brother Will may be dimming with the century. For the motherless sons of a drunken blacksmith, life on a barren spit of land reaching into the Essex estuary holds little promise. Until one eve
