Deep Sea

by Francis Brett Young

Deep Sea is set in a West Country fishing port and revolves around four people whose lives are inextricably intertwined: invalid Jeffery Kenar; fiery, frustrated wife, Nesta; fisherman lodger, Reuben Henshall; and little maid of all work, Ruth Parnall. While Jeffery and Ruth enjoy innocent, childlike companionship Nesta harbours an unrequited passion for Reuben. When he marries Ruth, Nesta hates all three. Though Reuben's mother had early warned him of the terrible power of the sea and Ruth fears it, by borrowing unwisely Reuben buys his own smack, “The Pilgrim”. When profits prove unpredictable distress and tragedy follow, until an unexpected visit replaces hatred with love and there is calm after storm.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

Francis Brett Young was born in 1884 at Hales Owen, Worcestershire, the eldest son of Dr Thomas Brett Young.

Educated at Iona Cottage High School, Sutton Coldfield and Epsom College, Francis read Medicine at Birmingham University before entering general practice at Brixham in 1907. The following year he married Jessie Hankinson whom he had met during his medical studies. She was a singer of some repute, having appeared as a soloist in Henry Wood's Promenade Concerts.

Francis based one of his earliest novels Deep Sea (1914) in Brixham but was soon to be caught up in the Great War. He served in the R.A.M.C. in East Africa, experiences recorded in Marching on Tanga.

After the war Francis and Jessie went to live in Capri where a number of novels with African as well as English backgrounds were produced. Popular success came in 1927 when Francis was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Portrait of Clare.

The Brett Youngs returned to England in 1929, staying for a while in the Lake District before settling at Craycombe House in Worcestershire in 1932. During this period Francis was at the height of his fame and his annually produced novels were eagerly awaited.

During the Second World War Francis laboured on his long poem covering the spread of English history from prehistoric times. Entitled The Island, it was published in 1944 and regarded by Francis as his greatest achievement.

Following a breakdown in his health Francis and Jessie moved to South Africa where he died in 1954. His ashes were brought back to this country and interred in Worcester Cathedral.

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1924 this FBY novel is set in the fishing port of Brixham, where FBY himself began his medical career after qualifying in Birmingham. The story mainly concerns Jeffery and Nesta Kenar and their lodger Reuban Henshall and the girl he marries Ruth Parnall. The reader can't help but fear that Reuban's fate is sealed when he borrows money to buy his boat. At the same time he decides to marry, and begins to get furniture on HP and find a house. The money goes out faster than it comes in, and what does come in is generally owed. Ruth is young and inexpierenced in house keeping matters, and gets into bad habits aided and abetted by some of her neighbours. The tragedy that comes is inevitable. As with other FBY books, this novel paints a vivid and fairly awful picture of life for hard working folk, who never have much and for whom life is dreadfully hard.

[Dorcas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An interesting story but not fully fleshed out. At the end of the day I didn't feel much connection between the characters.