All True Adventures (and Rare Education) of the Daredevil Daniel Bones

Based on a real historical figure, "Captain Paul Boyton - The Fearless Frogman" is a picaresque debut novel about a young man's sentimental education in late 19th-century Europe. The Captain selects Daniel to accompany him on an adventure across the continent, where they encounter Kings, Princesses, wealthy widows, irate husbands, anarchists, arms dealers, and shadowy power brokers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A captivating and delightful debut novel, set in late 19th-century Europe, follows the journey of a young man named Daniel Bones as he embarks on a sentimental education inspired by a real historical figure known as "Captain Paul Boyton." The story unfolds in a picaresque style, filled with adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments.

As the novel opens, Daniel and his younger brother, Will, face uncertain prospects in their life on a barren spit of land in Essex, England. Their motherless condition and the struggles of their father, a drunken blacksmith, leave them with little hope for a brighter future. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when the enigmatic Captain Clarke B emerges from the water one evening.

Captain B is a cigar-smoking daredevil adventurer, charlatan, casanova, and inventor of the world-famous life-saving inflatable suit. He captivates Daniel with his tales of daring exploits and promises of adventure, and soon, Daniel finds himself swept up in the Captain's chaotic promotional tour of Europe.

As Daniel travels alongside Captain B, he experiences a life beyond his wildest dreams. He encounters Kings and Princesses, wealthy widows, irate husbands, anarchists, arms dealers, and shadowy power-brokers. Through these encounters, Daniel learns about the convulsions of revolution sweeping across different countries and gains a profound understanding of the world.

The journey also opens Daniel's eyes and heart, teaching him valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Captain B becomes a mentor to Daniel, guiding him through the challenges and hardships of their adventure.

However, as Daniel becomes more famous and sought-after, he begins to question the darkness that lies behind the glitz and glamour of notoriety. He starts to wonder if he is truly living up to his promise to return to his family and the life he once knew.

The novel's ending is a bittersweet one, as Daniel must make a difficult decision that will shape his future. He must choose between his newfound fame and the love and loyalty he holds for his family.

"Captain Paul Boyton - the 'Fearless Frogman'" is a gloriously moving and entertaining debut novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through late 19th-century Europe. With its blend of adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments, it is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring human spirit.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008282585