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The Roll-Call Of The Reef   By: (1863-1944)

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The Roll-Call of the Reef, penned by the brilliant author Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch, is an exceptional novel that immerses readers in the captivating world of adventure and romance. Set against the backdrop of Cornwall's rugged coastline, this spellbinding tale weaves a tapestry of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

The novel introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique story and motivations. The protagonist, Lionel Tregarthen, is a complex and endearing character who finds himself torn between his duty to his family and his heart's desire. As he navigates the treacherous waters of romance and familial obligations, Lionel's journey becomes a microcosm of the human struggle to balance personal aspirations with societal expectations.

Quiller-Couch's descriptive prowess shines throughout the narrative, transporting readers to the atmospheric and awe-inspiring landscapes of Cornwall. From the roaring waves crashing against the cliffs to the serene villages dotted along the coastline, the author's vivid imagery paints a vivid portrait of this breathtaking setting. The rich and evocative language immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and even the scents of Cornwall, evoking an unmistakable sense of place.

At its core, The Roll-Call of the Reef can be seen as a meditation on the power of love and the inevitable consequences of our actions. Quiller-Couch deftly addresses themes of passion, sacrifice, and the choices we make. The novel artfully explores the consequences of keeping secrets, showcasing the profound impact they can have on both individuals and entire communities.

While the plot unfolds at a leisurely pace, it remains compelling and thoroughly engaging. Quiller-Couch expertly maintains the reader's interest through a series of carefully timed twists and turns, ensuring that the pages practically turn themselves. As the story progresses, the stakes are raised, and the emotional journey becomes increasingly gripping.

One of the highlights of this novel lies in Quiller-Couch's profound understanding of human nature. He crafts characters with depth and complexity, ensuring that their actions and motivations resonate with readers. Through the relationships they forge and the challenges they face, the characters become relatable and enduring figures that readers will not soon forget.

The Roll-Call of the Reef is a truly exceptional novel that will captivate fans of historical fiction, romance, and adventure. Quiller-Couch's masterful storytelling, combined with the novel's breathtaking setting and resonant themes, make this a literary triumph that deserves a place on every reader's bookshelf. With its blend of heart-pounding drama, emotional depth, and lyrical prose, this book is sure to leave an indelible mark on anyone who ventures into its pages.

First Page:

THE ROLL CALL OF THE REEF

By A. T. Quiller Couch ("Q.")

"Yes, sir," said my host, the quarryman, reaching down the relics from their hook in the wall over the chimneypiece; "they've hung here all my time, and most of my father's. The women won't touch 'em; they're afraid of the story. So here they'll dangle, and gather dust and smoke, till another tenant comes and tosses 'em out o' doors for rubbish. Whew! 'tis coarse weather, surely."

He went to the door, opened it, and stood studying the gale that beat upon his cottage front, straight from the Manacle Reef. The rain drove past him into the kitchen, aslant like threads of gold silk in the shine of the wreck wood fire. Meanwhile, by the same firelight, I examined the relics on my knee. The metal of each was tarnished out of knowledge. But the trumpet was evidently an old cavalry trumpet, and the threads of its party colored sling, though fretted and dusty, still hung together. Around the side drum, beneath its cracked brown varnish. I could hardly trace a royal coat of arms and a legend running, "Per Mare Per Terrain" the motto of the marines. Its parchment, though black and scented with wood smoke, was limp and mildewed; and I began to tighten up the straps under which the drumsticks had been loosely thrust with the idle purpose of trying if some music might be got out of the old drum yet... Continue reading book >>




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