Won from the Waves By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)
Won from the Waves by William Henry Giles Kingston is a captivating adventure novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey across the high seas. Set in the 19th century, the story follows the remarkable life of protagonist Max Ralston, a young sailor who, after surviving a harrowing shipwreck, finds himself stranded on a deserted island. The book begins with a gripping prologue that plunges readers into the heart of a violent storm, leaving them on the edge of their seats from the very first page. From there, the narrative unfolds in a fast-paced and engaging manner, as Max navigates the challenges of surviving alone on the island. Kingston's vivid descriptions transport readers to the idyllic shores of the deserted island, immersing them in the beauty of nature and painting a vivid picture of Max's struggle for survival. The author's meticulous attention to detail creates a palpable atmosphere, making the readers feel as though they are standing beside Max, surrounded by the crashing waves and feeling the weight of his isolation. As the story progresses, Max's resourcefulness and determination become apparent, as he learns to fend for himself and slowly adapts to the harsh realities of his surroundings. Kingston skillfully portrays Max's growth as a character, highlighting his evolving survival skills and emotional resilience. Furthermore, Max's encounters with various elements of nature, including wild animals and treacherous terrain, add an element of excitement and danger to the plot, keeping readers thoroughly engaged. Moreover, the book delves into deeper themes of human nature and inner strength, exploring Max's transformation from a young and naive sailor into a courageous and self-reliant individual. Through Max's experiences, Kingston subtly addresses the universal human desire for connection and companionship, as Max grapples with feelings of loneliness and longing. While the plot is undeniably captivating, the writing style and language employed by Kingston are somewhat dated, which may pose a challenge for modern readers. There are times when the pacing slows down, particularly during descriptive passages, but overall, the novel maintains a good balance between action and quieter moments. In conclusion, Won from the Waves is a riveting tale of survival, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Kingston's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling create an immersive reading experience that will undoubtedly leave readers longing for adventure. Although it may not be for everyone due to its older writing style, anyone with a love for historical adventure novels will find this book a delight. First Page: Won from the Waves, by W.H.G. Kingston. This is a splendid book, one of Kingston's very best, written and published at the very end of his life, and it will give you a very good read. Of course there are the usual swimming exercises, but there is just so much more going on, that you will always be wanting to turn the next page to see what happens. WON FROM THE WAVES, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON. CHAPTER ONE. ON THE PIER. It was a gloomy evening. A small group of fishermen were standing at the end of a rough wooden pier projecting out into the water and forming the southern side of the mouth of a small river. A thick mist, which drove in across the German Ocean, obscured the sky, and prevented any object being seen beyond a few hundred fathoms from the shore, on which the dark leaden coloured waves broke lazily in with that sullen sounding roar which often betokens the approach of a heavy gale. On the north side of the river was a wide extent of sandy ground, where the vegetation consisted of stunted furze bushes and salt loving plants with leaves of a dull pale green, growing among patches of coarse grass, the roots of which assisted to keep the sand from being blown away by the fierce wintry gales which blew across it... Continue reading book >>

Won from the Waves By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)

Won from the Waves by William Henry Giles Kingston is a captivating adventure novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey across the high seas. Set in the 19th century, the story follows the remarkable life of protagonist Max Ralston, a young sailor who, after surviving a harrowing shipwreck, finds himself stranded on a deserted island.

The book begins with a gripping prologue that plunges readers into the heart of a violent storm, leaving them on the edge of their seats from the very first page. From there, the narrative unfolds in a fast-paced and engaging manner, as Max navigates the challenges of surviving alone on the island.

Kingston's vivid descriptions transport readers to the idyllic shores of the deserted island, immersing them in the beauty of nature and painting a vivid picture of Max's struggle for survival. The author's meticulous attention to detail creates a palpable atmosphere, making the readers feel as though they are standing beside Max, surrounded by the crashing waves and feeling the weight of his isolation.

As the story progresses, Max's resourcefulness and determination become apparent, as he learns to fend for himself and slowly adapts to the harsh realities of his surroundings. Kingston skillfully portrays Max's growth as a character, highlighting his evolving survival skills and emotional resilience. Furthermore, Max's encounters with various elements of nature, including wild animals and treacherous terrain, add an element of excitement and danger to the plot, keeping readers thoroughly engaged.

Moreover, the book delves into deeper themes of human nature and inner strength, exploring Max's transformation from a young and naive sailor into a courageous and self-reliant individual. Through Max's experiences, Kingston subtly addresses the universal human desire for connection and companionship, as Max grapples with feelings of loneliness and longing.

While the plot is undeniably captivating, the writing style and language employed by Kingston are somewhat dated, which may pose a challenge for modern readers. There are times when the pacing slows down, particularly during descriptive passages, but overall, the novel maintains a good balance between action and quieter moments.

In conclusion, Won from the Waves is a riveting tale of survival, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Kingston's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling create an immersive reading experience that will undoubtedly leave readers longing for adventure. Although it may not be for everyone due to its older writing style, anyone with a love for historical adventure novels will find this book a delight.

First Page:

Won from the Waves, by W.H.G. Kingston.

This is a splendid book, one of Kingston's very best, written and published at the very end of his life, and it will give you a very good read.

Of course there are the usual swimming exercises, but there is just so much more going on, that you will always be wanting to turn the next page to see what happens.

WON FROM THE WAVES, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON.

CHAPTER ONE.

ON THE PIER.

It was a gloomy evening. A small group of fishermen were standing at the end of a rough wooden pier projecting out into the water and forming the southern side of the mouth of a small river. A thick mist, which drove in across the German Ocean, obscured the sky, and prevented any object being seen beyond a few hundred fathoms from the shore, on which the dark leaden coloured waves broke lazily in with that sullen sounding roar which often betokens the approach of a heavy gale.

On the north side of the river was a wide extent of sandy ground, where the vegetation consisted of stunted furze bushes and salt loving plants with leaves of a dull pale green, growing among patches of coarse grass, the roots of which assisted to keep the sand from being blown away by the fierce wintry gales which blew across it... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Adventure
Fiction
Sea stories
Teen/Young adult

eBook links
Wikipedia – William Henry Giles Kingston
Wikipedia – Won from the Waves

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