The Pilots of Pomona: A Story of the Orkney Islands

"The Pilots of Pomona: A Story of the Orkney Islands" by Robert Leighton is a tale set in the Orkney Islands in the mid-1800s, following a youngster named Halcro Ericson as he grows up surrounded by the ocean. The story focuses on Halcro's life, exploring themes of friendship and adventure, as well as local stories, while capturing his experiences with the sea, its myths, and his friendships with people like his teacher and family. Readers meet Halcro, who goes fishing on a pier and arrives at school late. As Halcro thinks about how much he enjoys fishing and how frustrated he is with his classmate, Tom Kinlay. Not only do the first few chapters show how beautiful the islands are, but they also show how Halcro feels about his family and how stressed he is at school. Conflicts with Tom get worse as he makes his way through his day, hinting at bigger themes of competition and strength. The novel also introduces characters like Andrew Drever, the kind-hearted teacher, and Halcro's dad, Sandy Ericson, who is a well-known pilot in the area, all of which set the scene for the exciting journeys and difficulties that will occur in this beautifully interwoven story of youth and the sea.