Roebuck: Tales of an Admirable Adventurer

by Luke Waterson

Roebuck is based on the true story of Knivet’s escapades in South America during the 1590s, when desperate to prove his worth to his father and his betrothed, he embarks with Thomas Cavendish on the explorer’s ill-fated circumnavigation of the globe. Portuguese colonists capture him and want to hang him as a heretic and cannibals wait in the jungle with a hankering for his flesh. But Knivet is determined to carve a name for himself in this New World. Whether acting as interpreter elect for the sadistic Cavendish, confidant to the devout but dangerous Governor of Rio de Janeiro, or the guide upon which the entire Portuguese army comes to depend, he strives for the recognition he believes he is due. Finally, deep in the jungle, he does find his inciting the tribes to unite, rise up against their Portuguese oppressors and thus change the history of Brazil forever. 

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2016

Reviews

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They hanged him in the hottest part of the afternoon and we stood on deck and watched........."
I knew as soon as I read the opening sentence that this was going to be an extremely intriguing and thrilling book and I was not disappointed!
Inspired by the true story of Anthony Knivet and his perils during his admirable adventures to South America during the 16th century, this is one of the best stories I have read covering adventures on the high seas and the arrival on the recently discovered land of Brazil. Although predominantly based in Brazil this swashbuckling tale is of the highest order and is truly captivating.
I love all things nautical and the historic time of the Age of Exploration and find it fascinating that the countries we know now as civilised and very modern, were once barbaric yet looked like paradise.
Anthony met and travelled with some really evil and bizarre characters, uncivilised, devious and even cannibalistic, concerned purely on survival and dominance and the author has brought these people to life with such vivid imagination.
The Roebuck is one of the fleet of ships traveling under the command of explorer Thomas Cavendish on the ill-fated circumnavigation of the globe. Knivet, desperate to prove his worth to his father and his betrothed, embarks on the brave journey witnessing death, disease, madness and treachery.
I was particularly interested in the sugar production the author covered in the story. I loved the perfect writing style and narrative suitable to the era and with a beautiful cover showing you exactly what to expect from the book, "Roebuck" is a hugely entertaining and interesting story.
It was also an excellent idea by the author to add foot notes to aid in the historical facts or information relating to a particular item.
Written by celebrated travel writer Luke Waterson and published by Urbane Publications I highly recommend this sophisticated, riveting and compelling book and I look forward to his next novel "Song Castle" set in 12th century Wales which is to be published March 2018.

5 stars.

[Sue Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic tale based on real events that is also a cracking good yarn

[Richard Tearle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Knivet is the illegitimate son of Sir Henry Knivet who barely recognises his existence. His mother is a baker and Anthony works for her. But Sir Henry arranges for Anthony to join Sir Thomas Cavendish who is making an attempt to circumnavigate the globe for a second time. Anthony dreams of riches and glory and the opportunity to prove himself worthy of inheriting from his father.

Things do not go well; the Roebuck, the ship he sails on, is wrecked and Anthony finds himself abandoned on a beach in Brazil, where he is captured by the Portuguese and forced to work on their sugar plantations.

This is the prelude of a series of fantastic adventures in which Anthony escapes death on at least three occasions. But it's all true, for the author has taken his story from the published memoirs of the real Knivet and woven a well written, fast paced tale that at times reminded me of Haggard's Allan Quartermain in it's style.

Unfortunately, there were, for me, some things that spoiled the overall package. The title, as I have said, is the name of the ship Knivet was assigned to: it disappears quite early in the tale and bears no other relevance to the story. It might also mislead the casual browser into believing that this might be a sea faring story, which it is not.

The author has used quotes from the Knivet's memoirs for some Chapter headings, but in doing so has used a script style font which I found difficult to read, especially as original spellings have been used. A less elaborate font would suffice. I dislike the use of footnotes in a novel, especially when most of them could be explained in text, speech or an author's note at the end. The ending was sudden and inconclusive and there is no indication of a sequel. Almost incongruously, there is a description of how to make Comfrey Pie at the end!

So, we have a jewel of a book but with some unfortunate flaws

(for the Historical Novel Society)

[Eileen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for anyone who is a fan of swashbuckling high seas adventures.
Anthony Knivet has a great time in South America, fighting the Portuguese army, inciting tribes to rise up against Portuguese colonists.
Don't know what he had against Portugal and its people!
All to prove to his father and betrothed that he was a brave man!
A great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Urbane Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Knivet joins the Cavendish expedition along the Brazilian coast in the late 16th century returning home to write his memoirs of all his adventures in those years away from England. This story is based on those memories. He was obviously blessed considering how many time he came near to death and survived. Just made me wonder how much of these memoirs were exaggerated and unfortunately I actually didn't find it that interesting.
A NetGalley book

[İrem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. Every sentence has a purpose, it clears up the path to the next one and somehow, the moment you are done with the first chapter, there it is, it's already worked its magic on you, you're hooked!

If you have a knack for adventure books, maritime history or historical fiction, don't give it a miss!