John Holdsworth, Chief Mate

"John Holdsworth, Chief Mate" by William Clark Russell, is a tale set in the 1800s, paints a vivid picture of a sailor named John Holdsworth and his connection with his partner, Dolly. The story shows the hard parts of sailing and the sad feelings they have when they're apart. It takes place near the coast of England, showing how the ocean and the land look. We begin in the cozy town of Southbourne on a peaceful summer night, but inside, John, Dolly, and her grandma are worried. The story describes the town in detail and shows how hard it is for them to say goodbye as John gets ready to leave on a long trip dealing with love, sadness, and staying strong. The beginning sets the stage for a deep look into how people feel mixed with the adventure of being on a boat.