The Green Hand: Adventures of a Naval Lieutenant

"The Green Hand: Adventures of a Naval Lieutenant" by George Cupples is a late 1800's historical fiction novel that follows a young man's nautical transformation while aboard a ship named "Gloucester". Beginning with Old Jack sharing stories with a ship full of sailors, the reader explores the humorous start of Ned Collins as a young sailor, learning and growing through the experiences of his shipmates, and facing the challenges of life on the sea, while experiencing his journey from being a "green hand," into an experienced sailor. The novel focuses on adventure, human connection, and humor by expressing the feeling of excitement and mystery while on the open seas during this time.