Littlebourne Lock

"Littlebourne Lock" by F. Bayford Harrison is a story that takes place in the late 1800s. The book gives us a glimpse into the lives of the Rowles family, particularly the lock-keeper, Edward Rowles, and a young visitor named Juliet Mitchell. Juliet, who has come from London, makes the family see their tranquil countryside life in a new light, while we also understand the hardships of families living in London. The story touches on themes of innocence, never giving up, and differences between social classes. We meet the Rowles family on a misty morning in July. The dad, Edward, talks about his children, Philip and Emily, and their helpfulness around the house. When Juliet Mitchell shows up, her stubbornness and troubled past from living in London shake things up. She craves adventure and does something without thinking: taking the family boat out on her own, which causes trouble and tests everyone she knows. While doing this, we grow with Juliet a bit, as the lifestyles of the family and Juliet clash constantly.