The Maid of Sker

"The Maid of Sker" by R. D. Blackmore is a historical fiction set on the demanding Glamorgan coast, centering on Davy Llewellyn, an aging fisherman grappling with the loss of his wife and son. Amidst his sorrow, Davy's life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a mysterious child adrift at sea. Rescuing her leads him into a web of puzzling events, touching on fundamental ideas of grief, the purity of innocence, and the universal search for belonging as he sets out to find a home for himself and his orphaned granddaughter. Beginning with Davy pondering life as a fisherman after experiencing tragic loss, he ventures out one summer day to earn a living and to find a sense of peace for himself and his orphaned granddaughter, Bunny. On his voyage, he discovers a boat with a sleeping child, compelling him to rescue the child and changing the course of his life, revealing unforeseen challenges and a strange set of circumstances. The initial chapters introduce Davy’s persona, highlighting his struggles and the budding, gentle relationship between him and the child, named Bardie, paving the way for an unfolding mystery.