Norfolk Boy

by Dennis Roberts

Born in the Norfolk Brecks, twelve-year-old Isaac follows generations of his family in to service, working at the stables of Warren Hall. Inheriting his late father’s gift with horses an unpleasant incident turns in his favour, an opportunity he could never have imagined opening before him.

Leaving his beloved Brecks and family, Isaac travels to Newmarket with hopes of becoming a jockey. On the verge of achieving his dreams he meets the mysterious and dapper Jack, an encounter that will change his life forever.

Accused of a terrible crime Isaac’s future is dramatically grabbed from him. Condemned to the far side of the world he must endure a journey where hunger, fear and despair are ever present, to a place where new friendships will grow, but old enemies are never far away. It is a place where he must fight for his very survival.

Genres: Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2024

About the author

Dennis A Roberts lives in Suffolk. Inspired by an entry he read in the penal colony records of Port Arthur, Tasmania, Norfolk Boy is his first novel. Previous writing credits include short stories in the Suffolk Libraries Anthology, as well as an article in Norfolk/Suffolk Life magazine.

Reviews

[Roz Morphew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to my family, friends and my book club and couldn't put it down. It's well written, historically educational and an excellent story, hence the five stars. I can't wait to read the next book from this author.

[Heather Scoggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book I would normally choose (just not my typical genre), but oh my goodness I couldn’t put it down. The setting description is not only so vivid you can truly imagine it, but it’s also realistic (important since some of the setting is my local area). I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the character of Isaac and learning about his journey. Highly recommend reading this!

[Mr A.Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story following the fortunes and misfortunes of Isaac Bone who is the Norfolk Boy of the title. The author sets the scene so well and I could picture everywhere he wrote about so clearly. I hope to read more by this author in the future.

[Philip Hasler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading historical fiction from time to time and this was definitely a good read. The story zips along from the start in the Norfolk Brecks to the finish in and around a penal colony in Australia via the town of Newmarket. Every chapter took a new and often unexpected turn. I thought the period detail was well handled. I was rooting for the title character Isaac Bone all the way through. Hopefully there will be further adventures of Isaac in the future.