Joan, the Curate

"Joan, the Curate" by Florence Warden is a historical novel that plunges into a world of smugglers and naval officers along the coasts of Kent and Sussex shortly after 1748. It centers on Joan Langney along with her father, a country parson, as they confront the illegal activities plaguing their region. Starting when a sailor seeks their help for a wounded comrade, the narrative escalates as Joan and her father become entangled in a conflict between the law and illicit trades. The story emphasizes themes of devotion, ethical quandaries, and loyalty in a lawless environment, highlighted by the growing relationship between Joan and a young naval lieutenant, Tregenna, painting a vivid portrait of moral and personal conflicts during a turbulent era.