The Sailor

** "The Sailor" by J. C. Snaith is an early 20th-century novel that throws readers into the desperate world of thirteen-year-old Henry Harper, a boy battling survival against a grim and abusive backdrop. His story begins with a harrowing escape from an alcoholic woman threatening violence, leading Henry on a perilous journey through dark gardens and dangerous railways in search of freedom. Ultimately, he finds himself aboard the "Margaret Carey," facing new hardships as he navigates the harsh realities of life at sea and tries to find a place for himself amongst a brutal crew. The novel captures the essence of a young boy's struggle, highlighting the instinct to survive and the yearning for belonging in the face of overwhelming odds. **