The Watchers on the Longships

by James Francis Cobb

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Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When deprived of the influence of a godly wife and mother, Owen Tresilian and his family seek to continue the simple, God-fearing life they had always known. When Arthur Pendrean, a faithful young parson, arrives along with the first wave of Wesleyan revival, this stirs up the opposition of the murderous smugglers and wreckers, and indeed of Arthur's own family. They arrange to have Philip press-ganged into naval service and kidnap Owen, leaving little Mary to man the Longships Lighthouse by herself.
This is the story of the first ever lighthouse at Land's End, and brings in the press-gang, Lord Howe's glorious first of June, the beginnings of Wesleyan Methodism in Cornwall, and all the excitement of seafaring life in dangerous times." (Blurb)

After visiting Land's End and seeing Longships Lighthouse for myself, this book grabbed my interest. What I discovered was a gripping, realistic and powerful novel, and a new favourite of mine.

Please don't be put off by the old-fashioned writing or somewhat slow start. This is a really, really great read, and one that personally challenged me. It holds many valuable lessons about courage, faith and sacrifice. I was particularly touched by the character of Authur, the parson, who gives up everything to serve the people at Sennen, even though the majority of the wreaker-filled community either ignore or ridicule him for his kindness.

Knowing that the book is based upon a true story also brought me to tears at times. It is really worth a read.