Woodcock

The coastal town of Gravely is enjoying a fragile peace after the Great War, but when an American whaler arrives with his daughters, tensions and temptations arise. John, Harriet, and David must ask themselves what price they are willing to pay for pleasure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Fairlight Books

In the charming coastal town of Gravely, England, a sense of tranquility envelops the community after the tumultuous aftermath of the Great War. John Lowell, a passionate naturalist, and his loving wife, Harriet, lead a simple yet fulfilling life, cherishing their deep bond and the company of John's old school friend, David. However, the arrival of an American whaler and his captivating red-haired daughters in town sets the stage for an intriguing and complex web of emotions and temptations. With his grand plans to construct a pier and pleasure-grounds a mile out to sea, the whaler ignites a sense of excitement and anticipation among the townspeople. However, beneath the surface of this newfound prosperity, unexpected tensions and desires begin to stir. As secrets multiply and alliances shift, Harriet, John, and David are forced to confront the profound question: what price are they willing to pay for pleasure?

The arrival of the American whaler and his daughters brings a new dynamic to Gravely. The townspeople are captivated by their beauty and charm, and the whaler's plans to bring pleasure to the community spark excitement and anticipation. However, beneath the surface, there are hidden agendas and ulterior motives. The whaler's daughters, in particular, catch the attention of John, Harriet, and David. They are mysterious and enigmatic, with a hint of danger and intrigue that draws them closer. As John spends more time with the daughters, he begins to develop feelings for them. He finds himself drawn to their beauty, their intelligence, and their adventurous spirit. Harriet, too, is affected by the presence of the whaler's daughters. She admires their grace and charm, but also senses a darkness that lurks beneath their surface. David, as always, remains a neutral observer, trying to navigate the complex web of emotions and relationships that unfold in Gravely. As the whaler's plans to build the pier and pleasure-grounds progress, tensions rise in the town. Some residents are opposed to the project, citing environmental concerns and the potential impact on the local wildlife. The whaler, however, is determined to proceed with his plans, and he begins to exert pressure on the townspeople to support him. Harriet, John, and David find themselves caught in the middle of the conflict. They are torn between their desire for pleasure and their commitment to protecting the environment and the community. They must also navigate the complicated dynamics of their own relationships, as John's feelings for the whaler's daughters complicate his relationship with Harriet. As the tension mounts, the whaler's true intentions become clearer. He is not interested in bringing pleasure to the community as he claims. Instead, he has ulterior motives, and his plans for the pier and pleasure-grounds are part of a larger scheme to exploit the natural resources of the area. He has been bribing local officials and hiring thugs to intimidate those who oppose him. The whaler's daughters, too, are not as innocent as they seem. They are complicit in their father's schemes, using their beauty and charm to manipulate and influence those around them. As the situation escalates, Harriet, John, and David must come together to stop the whaler's plans. They must expose his corruption and deceit and protect the environment and the community from his exploitative actions. It is a difficult and dangerous task, but they are determined to succeed. They rely on their knowledge of the natural world, their connections to the community, and their deep love and loyalty for each other to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. In the end, Harriet, John, and David are able to stop the whaler's plans. They expose his corruption and deceit, and he is forced to flee the town. The pier and pleasure-grounds are never built, and Gravely remains a peaceful and thriving community. However, the experience leaves a lasting impact on all of them. They are forced to confront the darker side of human nature, and they are reminded of the importance of integrity, compassion, and the preservation of the natural world. They also realize that pleasure can be found in many different ways, and that it is not always tied to material possessions or superficial desires. As they move forward, Harriet, John, and David carry the lessons they learned in Gravely with them. They continue to explore the natural world, to cherish their relationships, and to strive for a life that is both fulfilling and sustainable. They are grateful for the lessons they learned in Gravely, and they are determined to use their knowledge and experience to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 143 x 224 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912054985