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Hell & High Water
“Any money for Mr. Punch?”
For fifteen years, Caleb and his father have roamed southern England with little to their names but the signet ring his father inherited and the theater and puppets with which they stage popular, raunchy Punch and Judy shows.
“She will help you. Tell her she must.”
One summer day in 1752, Pa is convicted of a theft he didn’t commit and sentenced to transportation to the colonies in America. From gaol, Caleb’s father sends him to the family he never knew he had: an aunt on the coast.
“Filthy thing! How can you bear to have him in the house?”
His welcome at her house is strange, and her neighbors and stepdaughter seem to see only Caleb’s dark skin.
“I found him. On the beach. He’s dead.”
When Caleb finds a body washed up on shore, he stumbles into something much bigger than a man’s death in the high water.
For fifteen years, Caleb and his father have roamed southern England with little to their names but the signet ring his father inherited and the theater and puppets with which they stage popular, raunchy Punch and Judy shows.
“She will help you. Tell her she must.”
One summer day in 1752, Pa is convicted of a theft he didn’t commit and sentenced to transportation to the colonies in America. From gaol, Caleb’s father sends him to the family he never knew he had: an aunt on the coast.
“Filthy thing! How can you bear to have him in the house?”
His welcome at her house is strange, and her neighbors and stepdaughter seem to see only Caleb’s dark skin.
“I found him. On the beach. He’s dead.”
When Caleb finds a body washed up on shore, he stumbles into something much bigger than a man’s death in the high water.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
16 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Landman
85 books91 followersCarnegie Medal winning Tanya Landman is the author of more than thirty books for children and young adults.
Born and brought up in Kent, Tanya had no intention of becoming a writer until the idea for Waking Merlin popped into her head. "It came from nowhere. It was completely out of the blue."
Tanya now lives and works in Bideford and the nearby coastline was the inspiration for her Flotsam & Jetsam series.
Tanya's first books were "adventure stories with a sprinkling of magic and spoonful of humour." But then Tanya turned to crime, writing Mondays are Murder (winner of a Red House Book Award) - the first in a series of ten "Agatha-Christie-for-kids" featuring child sleuth Poppy Fields and her friend Graham. Her new highly illustrated books for younger children feature Sam Swann, an accident-prone boy sleuth and his faithful canine sidekick Watson.
Although she writes across a broad age range, Tanya is probably best known for her historical novels for young adults. Apache - set in 19th century America - was shortlisted for several UK awards including the Teenage Book Trust and the Carnegie Medal (where it was voted the Shadowing Groups favourite). The US edition won a Borders Original Voices prize and a Spur award from the Western Writers of America. The Goldsmith's Daughter - set in the Aztec empire during the Spanish invasion - was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction prize. Buffalo Soldier won the 2015 Carnegie Medal. Hell and High Water - a swashbuckling thriller set in 18th century Devon - was shortlisted for the 2016 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her latest book Beyond the Wall is set in Roman Britain. Passing for White comes out later this year.
Born and brought up in Kent, Tanya had no intention of becoming a writer until the idea for Waking Merlin popped into her head. "It came from nowhere. It was completely out of the blue."
Tanya now lives and works in Bideford and the nearby coastline was the inspiration for her Flotsam & Jetsam series.
Tanya's first books were "adventure stories with a sprinkling of magic and spoonful of humour." But then Tanya turned to crime, writing Mondays are Murder (winner of a Red House Book Award) - the first in a series of ten "Agatha-Christie-for-kids" featuring child sleuth Poppy Fields and her friend Graham. Her new highly illustrated books for younger children feature Sam Swann, an accident-prone boy sleuth and his faithful canine sidekick Watson.
Although she writes across a broad age range, Tanya is probably best known for her historical novels for young adults. Apache - set in 19th century America - was shortlisted for several UK awards including the Teenage Book Trust and the Carnegie Medal (where it was voted the Shadowing Groups favourite). The US edition won a Borders Original Voices prize and a Spur award from the Western Writers of America. The Goldsmith's Daughter - set in the Aztec empire during the Spanish invasion - was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction prize. Buffalo Soldier won the 2015 Carnegie Medal. Hell and High Water - a swashbuckling thriller set in 18th century Devon - was shortlisted for the 2016 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her latest book Beyond the Wall is set in Roman Britain. Passing for White comes out later this year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 8, 2016
1780s England. MC Caleb ''s quest to restore his father's reputation is filled with danger and corruption. He is worthy of our esteem, as he refuses to bow down to those who hold power and then abuse it for their own purposes and greed.
I was totally engaged, and didn't want to put it down.
I was totally engaged, and didn't want to put it down.
October 31, 2015
Synopsis
In a wicked world, can an honest man survive?
1752. Devon. England.
When his father is arrested and transported to the Colonies, Caleb is left alone. After a desperate journey in search of an aunt he's never met he receives a strange, cold welcome.
Then a body washes up on the nearby beach and Caleb is caught up in a terrifying net of lies and intrigue. Soon he and his new family are in mortal danger.
Review by Rhian Ivory
I read Buffalo Solider on holiday this summer (once I’d got it back off my husband) and found myself talking about it, in fact I couldn’t shut up about it. My mum ordered it the next day and had finished it by the weekend and the one thing we all kept coming back to was THAT VOICE. Tanya Landman writes with such conviction that it feels as if someone is sitting next to you whispering their story into your ear so when Hell and High Water landed on my door mat I was excited but also nervous. Would I have the same intimate reading experience with this book as I’d had with Buffalo Solider? Surely she couldn’t pull it off again and would I really care as much about Caleb in Hell and High Water as I did about Charlie in Buffalo Solider? Reader, she did pull it off and I cared just as much, let me tell you why.
The opening scene features a Punch and Judy show which is described in such detail you feel as if you are part of the audience, watching the show build with the same sense of anticipation as the crowd. It is clear that Landman has seen a show or two in her time because she evokes the scene in a skilful and detailed manner. But this isn’t to be a straightforward story about a father and son touring the county, polishing their puppets and handing around the cap for coins because disaster soon strikes when Caleb’s father is wrongly accused of theft. Caleb is left alone in the world without his guide, his best friend and his companion to not only show him the ropes of the trade but also take care of him in a world which is prejudiced against a boy of mixed race.
Caleb knows of one person who may help him, his father’s sister who is a maid in North Devon. Caleb is forced to find his way alone to his aunt’s house, knock at her door and place himself in a vulnerable position. His character is the backbone of the book and the reader is with him every step of the way as he fights injustice, mistrust and judgement all based on the colour of his skin. He tries his best to find work locally but isn’t given much of chance. Landman plays with gender and convention cleverly by giving Caleb the traditionally viewed feminine skills of a seamstress and Lettie (his aunt’s stepdaughter) the more masculine traits of a seaman. Together they make the perfect pair but get off to quite a bad start.
What stayed with me long after I finished the novel is the burning sense of injustice, the lack of equality for Caleb and Lettie and the class system is once again examined under Landman’s microscopic lens exposing the differences between the rich and the poor, the corruption that power can bring and the lack of agency Caleb and Lettie suffer from.
But happily there’s hope, phew! The hope comes from Caleb and Letty’s strength of character, intelligence, bravery and overriding sense of justice all neatly tied up in a tender and delicate love story binding the themes together throughout this fast and furious tale of adventure on the high seas.
In a wicked world, can an honest man survive?
1752. Devon. England.
When his father is arrested and transported to the Colonies, Caleb is left alone. After a desperate journey in search of an aunt he's never met he receives a strange, cold welcome.
Then a body washes up on the nearby beach and Caleb is caught up in a terrifying net of lies and intrigue. Soon he and his new family are in mortal danger.
Review by Rhian Ivory
I read Buffalo Solider on holiday this summer (once I’d got it back off my husband) and found myself talking about it, in fact I couldn’t shut up about it. My mum ordered it the next day and had finished it by the weekend and the one thing we all kept coming back to was THAT VOICE. Tanya Landman writes with such conviction that it feels as if someone is sitting next to you whispering their story into your ear so when Hell and High Water landed on my door mat I was excited but also nervous. Would I have the same intimate reading experience with this book as I’d had with Buffalo Solider? Surely she couldn’t pull it off again and would I really care as much about Caleb in Hell and High Water as I did about Charlie in Buffalo Solider? Reader, she did pull it off and I cared just as much, let me tell you why.
The opening scene features a Punch and Judy show which is described in such detail you feel as if you are part of the audience, watching the show build with the same sense of anticipation as the crowd. It is clear that Landman has seen a show or two in her time because she evokes the scene in a skilful and detailed manner. But this isn’t to be a straightforward story about a father and son touring the county, polishing their puppets and handing around the cap for coins because disaster soon strikes when Caleb’s father is wrongly accused of theft. Caleb is left alone in the world without his guide, his best friend and his companion to not only show him the ropes of the trade but also take care of him in a world which is prejudiced against a boy of mixed race.
Caleb knows of one person who may help him, his father’s sister who is a maid in North Devon. Caleb is forced to find his way alone to his aunt’s house, knock at her door and place himself in a vulnerable position. His character is the backbone of the book and the reader is with him every step of the way as he fights injustice, mistrust and judgement all based on the colour of his skin. He tries his best to find work locally but isn’t given much of chance. Landman plays with gender and convention cleverly by giving Caleb the traditionally viewed feminine skills of a seamstress and Lettie (his aunt’s stepdaughter) the more masculine traits of a seaman. Together they make the perfect pair but get off to quite a bad start.
What stayed with me long after I finished the novel is the burning sense of injustice, the lack of equality for Caleb and Lettie and the class system is once again examined under Landman’s microscopic lens exposing the differences between the rich and the poor, the corruption that power can bring and the lack of agency Caleb and Lettie suffer from.
But happily there’s hope, phew! The hope comes from Caleb and Letty’s strength of character, intelligence, bravery and overriding sense of justice all neatly tied up in a tender and delicate love story binding the themes together throughout this fast and furious tale of adventure on the high seas.
November 29, 2017
Hell & High Water by Tanya Land man the book was set in the 18th century in England. Caleb is a mixed boy who is going through an mystery. He doesn't know anything much about his family he doesn't know about his father wife or his black mother. Caleb father was in jail for theft and Caleb had to seek protection. Caleb lived a new life. Caleb father sent him to a family he didn’t even know he didn’t even know he had an aunt on the coast. Caleb was shocked when he seen a body ring when it washed up on the shore one day.
Caleb and his dad have roamed Southern England. I like this book it's a very interesting book to read. I would recommend you to read this book if you like mysteries. What I don’t like about it is that you have to find out what happens and how Caleb dad had him go to another family that Caleb didn’t know about. Also, what I didn’t like about it is that Caleb dad had to be putting in jail for theft that's why he had to go with a family he didn’t even know. Also, what I like about how he had a good life when he went and lived with people he didn’t even know about.
Caleb and his dad have roamed Southern England. I like this book it's a very interesting book to read. I would recommend you to read this book if you like mysteries. What I don’t like about it is that you have to find out what happens and how Caleb dad had him go to another family that Caleb didn’t know about. Also, what I didn’t like about it is that Caleb dad had to be putting in jail for theft that's why he had to go with a family he didn’t even know. Also, what I like about how he had a good life when he went and lived with people he didn’t even know about.
October 31, 2015
This book was very different from what I expected it to be. The other books I read by Tanya Landman, Apache and Buffalo Soldier, where really 'big' stories. The stories where set in turbulent times in the past and had a lot of information about those times and the cultures the books are set in. This story was so much smaller. Most of the story is set in a small (fictional) village in England. While the story is influences by a real account the time period seems to matter much less than it does in the other too books I mentioned.
The book tells the story of a mixed race boy called Caleb who lives with his father. They travel trough England with their puppet show. When his father is arrested for something he was falsely accused of Caleb ends up in a small village with his aunt. Some strange things happen here and Caleb and his friend Letty try to find out what happened.
The cover of the book is absolutely gorgeous.
I bought the book not just because I liked Landman's previous books but because the cover made me want to read this one. Because of the cover I was expecting some epic sea journey half way across the world, and that's not what this book is. It's more of a mystery/ 'strange things happen what is going' on type of book.
The story is really captivating and fast paced. I read the book in 2 sittings and enjoyed it, but at the same time it contains far to many coincidental stuff. In the beginning it's ok but later on so many things happen that are just a bit to too convenient or don't make too much sens in my mind. The book is definitively meant for younger readers. As a kid I would have been drawn in to the adventure and the exiting things happening. Now I had a few times wondering how that could happen or I'd think "I bet X will happen now" and it did.
It's not a bad book, I don't mean to make my review sound that way. I just had very different expectations going in to it. It's a nice book for younger readers but I would recommend the amazing Buffalo Soldier over this book.
The book tells the story of a mixed race boy called Caleb who lives with his father. They travel trough England with their puppet show. When his father is arrested for something he was falsely accused of Caleb ends up in a small village with his aunt. Some strange things happen here and Caleb and his friend Letty try to find out what happened.
The cover of the book is absolutely gorgeous.
I bought the book not just because I liked Landman's previous books but because the cover made me want to read this one. Because of the cover I was expecting some epic sea journey half way across the world, and that's not what this book is. It's more of a mystery/ 'strange things happen what is going' on type of book.
The story is really captivating and fast paced. I read the book in 2 sittings and enjoyed it, but at the same time it contains far to many coincidental stuff. In the beginning it's ok but later on so many things happen that are just a bit to too convenient or don't make too much sens in my mind. The book is definitively meant for younger readers. As a kid I would have been drawn in to the adventure and the exiting things happening. Now I had a few times wondering how that could happen or I'd think "I bet X will happen now" and it did.
It's not a bad book, I don't mean to make my review sound that way. I just had very different expectations going in to it. It's a nice book for younger readers but I would recommend the amazing Buffalo Soldier over this book.
September 14, 2022
wow so intriguingly Brilliant
October 18, 2024
* Caleb travels around with his father who has a Punch and Judy show.
* One day, a thief hits into his father and drops his stolen purse, his father is arrested and put in gaol. He's then found guilty, and Caleb is told that his father is being taken to America to serve for 7 years.
* His father tells him to go and find his aunt. Caleb travels and eventually finds her, living in a small cottage with her 1-year-old daughter, and her step-daughter Letty.
* One day a body washes up on the beach. Caleb sees it first and identifies it as his father from the ring on his hand. He goes to get help, but is told that the body isn't his father, but a sailor from somewhere else called Thomas Smith. Caleb knows that this is a lie.
* Caleb and Letty dig up the dead body but the finger with the ring has been removed.
* Letty eventually tells Caleb that 12 convicts were put on the Linnet, the boat that her father sailed away on. Caleb sneaks into the office at the docks and learns that his father was one of the convicts on the Linnet.
* They learn that the Linnet has gone down, but all the sailors survived (the convicts went down with the shit). Letty and Caleb don't believe the story, but Letty is pleased that her father is safe.
* Caleb and Letty try to find out extra information, but someone obviously knows what they're up to, but Caleb is attacked and put in a barrel, and then finds himself on a ship called the Lady Jane.
* Letty's father is also on the ship and refuses to harm anyone, so Letty rows out to the ship to rescue Caleb.
* A storm comes quickly, and Letty and Caleb try to get to a nearby island, and nearly drown on the way. On the island they find 11 convicts and are told that they were left there and instructed to build a harbour.
* Caleb and Letty realise that the rich man Sir Richard, has been trying to set up a smuggling-type scam? Basically, he was leaving his cargo on the island, then sinking his shitty ship and claiming the insurance, and selling the cargo on the island too and getting very rich.
* Caleb and Letty get off the island by flagging down a Dutch ship who didn't ask many questions.
* They go to see the Bishop who once spoke out for Caleb's father, but it turns out that the Bishop is Sir Richard's brother, and they're in on the whole thing together.
* The only way they survive is because they manage to speak to some of the underwriters who paid Sir Richard for his sunken ship, and Caleb's Aunt identifies her brother's ring (Caleb found it still attached to his dead finger in Sir Richard's house). Sir Richard's guilt is also further cemented by the fact that he runs away 🙄
* Oh, and Letty tells Caleb that his father wasn't really his father, and that really his aunt is his mother (she got pregnant out of wedlock to a black slave, and had to give the baby to her brother and pretend the whole thing had never happened because otherwise she'd have been ruined and unable to work or anything).
* One day, a thief hits into his father and drops his stolen purse, his father is arrested and put in gaol. He's then found guilty, and Caleb is told that his father is being taken to America to serve for 7 years.
* His father tells him to go and find his aunt. Caleb travels and eventually finds her, living in a small cottage with her 1-year-old daughter, and her step-daughter Letty.
* One day a body washes up on the beach. Caleb sees it first and identifies it as his father from the ring on his hand. He goes to get help, but is told that the body isn't his father, but a sailor from somewhere else called Thomas Smith. Caleb knows that this is a lie.
* Caleb and Letty dig up the dead body but the finger with the ring has been removed.
* Letty eventually tells Caleb that 12 convicts were put on the Linnet, the boat that her father sailed away on. Caleb sneaks into the office at the docks and learns that his father was one of the convicts on the Linnet.
* They learn that the Linnet has gone down, but all the sailors survived (the convicts went down with the shit). Letty and Caleb don't believe the story, but Letty is pleased that her father is safe.
* Caleb and Letty try to find out extra information, but someone obviously knows what they're up to, but Caleb is attacked and put in a barrel, and then finds himself on a ship called the Lady Jane.
* Letty's father is also on the ship and refuses to harm anyone, so Letty rows out to the ship to rescue Caleb.
* A storm comes quickly, and Letty and Caleb try to get to a nearby island, and nearly drown on the way. On the island they find 11 convicts and are told that they were left there and instructed to build a harbour.
* Caleb and Letty realise that the rich man Sir Richard, has been trying to set up a smuggling-type scam? Basically, he was leaving his cargo on the island, then sinking his shitty ship and claiming the insurance, and selling the cargo on the island too and getting very rich.
* Caleb and Letty get off the island by flagging down a Dutch ship who didn't ask many questions.
* They go to see the Bishop who once spoke out for Caleb's father, but it turns out that the Bishop is Sir Richard's brother, and they're in on the whole thing together.
* The only way they survive is because they manage to speak to some of the underwriters who paid Sir Richard for his sunken ship, and Caleb's Aunt identifies her brother's ring (Caleb found it still attached to his dead finger in Sir Richard's house). Sir Richard's guilt is also further cemented by the fact that he runs away 🙄
* Oh, and Letty tells Caleb that his father wasn't really his father, and that really his aunt is his mother (she got pregnant out of wedlock to a black slave, and had to give the baby to her brother and pretend the whole thing had never happened because otherwise she'd have been ruined and unable to work or anything).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
Read all my thoughts on the blog! https://sunshineandstrawbe.wixsite.co...
࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓
Caleb Chappell has spent his entire life traveling across the country with his father, a puppet show performer. Up until now, Caleb's biggest challenges have been enduring rude remarks and disrespect due to his dark complexion. However, everything changes when his father is falsely accused of a crime and banished to America for seven years.
Before his departure, Caleb's father instructs him to travel to his aunt's house for safety. This marks the beginning of a difficult new chapter in Caleb's life as he adjusts to living with his aunt and her family. Despite the hope for a fresh start, however, Caleb soon discovers that his troubles are far from over. When a body washes up on the beach, Caleb realizes that the series of unfortunate events is just beginning.
The prose was very unemotional and without much description, sometimes broaching on bland. Some parts were better than others in this respect. Of course, I am not calling for constant flowery language- that would not fit the intended style of the book- but I believe the story and its reader's engagement would be enhanced if more feeling was conveyed.
Once again, I find myself enjoying the side characters more than the lead. Caleb, the main character, feels more like a vessel for telling the story rather than a "real" person. While there weren't many other characters to compare or contrast him with, I believe this lack of depth stems from my disconnection with the writing. I was never fully immersed in Caleb's feelings and thoughts enough to truly get to know and connect with him. It seems that Tanya Landman aimed to portray Caleb as a gentle character, but this gentleness instead conveyed a sense of youthfulness. Caleb is roughly 15-16 years old throughout the story, and while he certainly isn't immature or wimpy, I would have liked to see him step up to the plate of manhood toward the close of the story.
I almost DNFed the book a few chapters in because of the copious amounts of cursing. However, I stuck with it and it did calm down a little. Very few of the swears were intense, or higher than "second-level," but the sheer number of times they were used lowered the intelligence of the book.
The story is intriguing and enjoyable despite the flaws. I really did enjoy my time reading Caleb's story, and thought the pacing of the book was perfect. I was neither bored nor overwhelmed, and the intricate web of deception that Caleb becomes entangled in is captivating. The plot dealt heaviest with power and the injustice of what money does for those with evil intentions. Caleb faces so much darkness and injustice, and his aim is to bring it to light. I never felt as though he was sinking into a dark place of revenge, simply doing his best for his family and community
࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓
Content Warnings
Violence:
~A man is violently arrested
~A story is repeated about a man who committed murder/suicide. Nothing graphic.
~Characters are rowing a boat when they bump against drowned bodies. Not graphic.
~A drowned man washes up on a beach. Moderately graphic- the stench and bloat is described.
~A finger is missing from a dead body- "hacked" off. Later the finger is found- shriveled and mummified.
~A doctor bleeds his patients.
~A side character gets caught in a hunter's trap. he screams as it bites through his muscle and bone. Not graphic
~A character is attacked, bound and gagged, and stuffed in a barrel alive. Very graphic with descriptions of pain and suffering.
~Puppets hit, hang, and yell at each other. One is thrown into "hellfire" and talks with the devil in a comedic manner
Romance and sensuality:
~Slight innuendo
~A married couple are reunited and spend the night in the attic. Our main character sleeps downstairs and apparently hears "sounds" from upstairs. Nothing is described- just briefly mentioned.
~Two main characters kiss- very brief
~Two characters get married
Language:
~"Whore" is used 10 times
~"Sh*t" is used twice
~ "A*ss" or it's variation is used 5 times
~ Childish language such as dolt, simpleton, tramp, fart, buggar, stupid, etc.
~"Hell/hellish/hellhole used 11 times
~D*mn/ d*mned/d*mmed used 16 times
~"Bleeding" used as an explicative multiple times
~ B*astard is used a few times- mostly in the context of a child born out of wedlock
~ "Devil" used 5 times
~God's name is misused 20 times, along with Jesus' once, and the Lord's 5
~"P*ss" is used a few times
Drinking, drugs, and smoking:
~Many mentions of ale, brandy, mead, whisky, rum etc. Some side characters become intoxicated. One is an alcoholic. Some uses are medicinal
~ Mention of tobacco
Other:
~Racism is prevalent in this book, directed toward dark-skinned Caleb. He is called "darkie" multiple times, assumed to be a slave. He faces a hefty amount of disrespect- although the book doesn't necessarily deal too heavily with this topic.
࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓
Caleb Chappell has spent his entire life traveling across the country with his father, a puppet show performer. Up until now, Caleb's biggest challenges have been enduring rude remarks and disrespect due to his dark complexion. However, everything changes when his father is falsely accused of a crime and banished to America for seven years.
Before his departure, Caleb's father instructs him to travel to his aunt's house for safety. This marks the beginning of a difficult new chapter in Caleb's life as he adjusts to living with his aunt and her family. Despite the hope for a fresh start, however, Caleb soon discovers that his troubles are far from over. When a body washes up on the beach, Caleb realizes that the series of unfortunate events is just beginning.
The prose was very unemotional and without much description, sometimes broaching on bland. Some parts were better than others in this respect. Of course, I am not calling for constant flowery language- that would not fit the intended style of the book- but I believe the story and its reader's engagement would be enhanced if more feeling was conveyed.
Once again, I find myself enjoying the side characters more than the lead. Caleb, the main character, feels more like a vessel for telling the story rather than a "real" person. While there weren't many other characters to compare or contrast him with, I believe this lack of depth stems from my disconnection with the writing. I was never fully immersed in Caleb's feelings and thoughts enough to truly get to know and connect with him. It seems that Tanya Landman aimed to portray Caleb as a gentle character, but this gentleness instead conveyed a sense of youthfulness. Caleb is roughly 15-16 years old throughout the story, and while he certainly isn't immature or wimpy, I would have liked to see him step up to the plate of manhood toward the close of the story.
I almost DNFed the book a few chapters in because of the copious amounts of cursing. However, I stuck with it and it did calm down a little. Very few of the swears were intense, or higher than "second-level," but the sheer number of times they were used lowered the intelligence of the book.
The story is intriguing and enjoyable despite the flaws. I really did enjoy my time reading Caleb's story, and thought the pacing of the book was perfect. I was neither bored nor overwhelmed, and the intricate web of deception that Caleb becomes entangled in is captivating. The plot dealt heaviest with power and the injustice of what money does for those with evil intentions. Caleb faces so much darkness and injustice, and his aim is to bring it to light. I never felt as though he was sinking into a dark place of revenge, simply doing his best for his family and community
࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓
Content Warnings
Violence:
~A man is violently arrested
~A story is repeated about a man who committed murder/suicide. Nothing graphic.
~Characters are rowing a boat when they bump against drowned bodies. Not graphic.
~A drowned man washes up on a beach. Moderately graphic- the stench and bloat is described.
~A finger is missing from a dead body- "hacked" off. Later the finger is found- shriveled and mummified.
~A doctor bleeds his patients.
~A side character gets caught in a hunter's trap. he screams as it bites through his muscle and bone. Not graphic
~A character is attacked, bound and gagged, and stuffed in a barrel alive. Very graphic with descriptions of pain and suffering.
~Puppets hit, hang, and yell at each other. One is thrown into "hellfire" and talks with the devil in a comedic manner
Romance and sensuality:
~Slight innuendo
~A married couple are reunited and spend the night in the attic. Our main character sleeps downstairs and apparently hears "sounds" from upstairs. Nothing is described- just briefly mentioned.
~Two main characters kiss- very brief
~Two characters get married
Language:
~"Whore" is used 10 times
~"Sh*t" is used twice
~ "A*ss" or it's variation is used 5 times
~ Childish language such as dolt, simpleton, tramp, fart, buggar, stupid, etc.
~"Hell/hellish/hellhole used 11 times
~D*mn/ d*mned/d*mmed used 16 times
~"Bleeding" used as an explicative multiple times
~ B*astard is used a few times- mostly in the context of a child born out of wedlock
~ "Devil" used 5 times
~God's name is misused 20 times, along with Jesus' once, and the Lord's 5
~"P*ss" is used a few times
Drinking, drugs, and smoking:
~Many mentions of ale, brandy, mead, whisky, rum etc. Some side characters become intoxicated. One is an alcoholic. Some uses are medicinal
~ Mention of tobacco
Other:
~Racism is prevalent in this book, directed toward dark-skinned Caleb. He is called "darkie" multiple times, assumed to be a slave. He faces a hefty amount of disrespect- although the book doesn't necessarily deal too heavily with this topic.
April 22, 2025
🧁Muffin's review 🧁
Read all my thoughts on the blog! https://sunshineandstrawbe.wixsite.co...
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Caleb Chappell has spent his entire life traveling across the country with his father, a puppet show performer. Up until now, Caleb's biggest challenges have been enduring rude remarks and disrespect due to his dark complexion. However, everything changes when his father is falsely accused of a crime and banished to America for seven years.
Before his departure, Caleb's father instructs him to travel to his aunt's house for safety. This marks the beginning of a difficult new chapter in Caleb's life as he adjusts to living with his aunt and her family. Despite the hope for a fresh start, however, Caleb soon discovers that his troubles are far from over. When a body washes up on the beach, Caleb realizes that the series of unfortunate events is just beginning.
The prose was very unemotional and without much description, sometimes broaching on bland. Some parts were better than others in this respect. Of course, I am not calling for constant flowery language- that would not fit the intended style of the book- but I believe the story and its reader's engagement would be enhanced if more feeling was conveyed.
Once again, I find myself enjoying the side characters more than the lead. Caleb, the main character, feels more like a vessel for telling the story rather than a "real" person. While there weren't many other characters to compare or contrast him with, I believe this lack of depth stems from my disconnection with the writing. I was never fully immersed in Caleb's feelings and thoughts enough to truly get to know and connect with him. It seems that Tanya Landman aimed to portray Caleb as a gentle character, but this gentleness instead conveyed a sense of youthfulness. Caleb is roughly 15-16 years old throughout the story, and while he certainly isn't immature or wimpy, I would have liked to see him step up to the plate of manhood toward the close of the story.
I almost DNFed the book a few chapters in because of the copious amounts of cursing. However, I stuck with it and it did calm down a little. Very few of the swears were intense, or higher than "second-level," but the sheer number of times they were used lowered the intelligence of the book.
The story is intriguing and enjoyable despite the flaws. I really did enjoy my time reading Caleb's story, and thought the pacing of the book was perfect. I was neither bored nor overwhelmed, and the intricate web of deception that Caleb becomes entangled in is captivating. The plot dealt heaviest with power and the injustice of what money does for those with evil intentions. Caleb faces so much darkness and injustice, and his aim is to bring it to light. I never felt as though he was sinking into a dark place of revenge, simply doing his best for his family and community
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Content Warnings
Violence:
~A man is violently arrested
~A story is repeated about a man who committed murder/suicide. Nothing graphic.
~Characters are rowing a boat when they bump against drowned bodies. Not graphic.
~A drowned man washes up on a beach. Moderately graphic- the stench and bloat is described.
~A finger is missing from a dead body- "hacked" off. Later the finger is found- shriveled and mummified.
~A doctor bleeds his patients.
~A side character gets caught in a hunter's trap. he screams as it bites through his muscle and bone. Not graphic
~A character is attacked, bound and gagged, and stuffed in a barrel alive. Very graphic with descriptions of pain and suffering.
~Puppets hit, hang, and yell at each other. One is thrown into "hellfire" and talks with the devil in a comedic manner
Romance and sensuality:
~Slight innuendo
~A married couple are reunited and spend the night in the attic. Our main character sleeps downstairs and apparently hears "sounds" from upstairs. Nothing is described- just briefly mentioned.
~Two main characters kiss- very brief
~Two characters get married
Language:
~"Whore" is used 10 times
~"Sh*t" is used twice
~ "A*ss" or it's variation is used 5 times
~ Childish language such as dolt, simpleton, tramp, fart, buggar, stupid, etc.
~"Hell/hellish/hellhole used 11 times
~D*mn/ d*mned/d*mmed used 16 times
~"Bleeding" used as an explicative multiple times
~ B*astard is used a few times- mostly in the context of a child born out of wedlock
~ "Devil" used 5 times
~God's name is misused 20 times, along with Jesus' once, and the Lord's 5
~"P*ss" is used a few times
Drinking, drugs, and smoking:
~Many mentions of ale, brandy, mead, whisky, rum etc. Some side characters become intoxicated. One is an alcoholic. Some uses are medicinal
~ Mention of tobacco
Other:
~Racism is prevalent in this book, directed toward dark-skinned Caleb. He is called "darkie" multiple times, assumed to be a slave. He faces a hefty amount of disrespect- although the book doesn't necessarily deal too heavily with this topic.
Read all my thoughts on the blog! https://sunshineandstrawbe.wixsite.co...
࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓
Caleb Chappell has spent his entire life traveling across the country with his father, a puppet show performer. Up until now, Caleb's biggest challenges have been enduring rude remarks and disrespect due to his dark complexion. However, everything changes when his father is falsely accused of a crime and banished to America for seven years.
Before his departure, Caleb's father instructs him to travel to his aunt's house for safety. This marks the beginning of a difficult new chapter in Caleb's life as he adjusts to living with his aunt and her family. Despite the hope for a fresh start, however, Caleb soon discovers that his troubles are far from over. When a body washes up on the beach, Caleb realizes that the series of unfortunate events is just beginning.
The prose was very unemotional and without much description, sometimes broaching on bland. Some parts were better than others in this respect. Of course, I am not calling for constant flowery language- that would not fit the intended style of the book- but I believe the story and its reader's engagement would be enhanced if more feeling was conveyed.
Once again, I find myself enjoying the side characters more than the lead. Caleb, the main character, feels more like a vessel for telling the story rather than a "real" person. While there weren't many other characters to compare or contrast him with, I believe this lack of depth stems from my disconnection with the writing. I was never fully immersed in Caleb's feelings and thoughts enough to truly get to know and connect with him. It seems that Tanya Landman aimed to portray Caleb as a gentle character, but this gentleness instead conveyed a sense of youthfulness. Caleb is roughly 15-16 years old throughout the story, and while he certainly isn't immature or wimpy, I would have liked to see him step up to the plate of manhood toward the close of the story.
I almost DNFed the book a few chapters in because of the copious amounts of cursing. However, I stuck with it and it did calm down a little. Very few of the swears were intense, or higher than "second-level," but the sheer number of times they were used lowered the intelligence of the book.
The story is intriguing and enjoyable despite the flaws. I really did enjoy my time reading Caleb's story, and thought the pacing of the book was perfect. I was neither bored nor overwhelmed, and the intricate web of deception that Caleb becomes entangled in is captivating. The plot dealt heaviest with power and the injustice of what money does for those with evil intentions. Caleb faces so much darkness and injustice, and his aim is to bring it to light. I never felt as though he was sinking into a dark place of revenge, simply doing his best for his family and community
࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓࿓
Content Warnings
Violence:
~A man is violently arrested
~A story is repeated about a man who committed murder/suicide. Nothing graphic.
~Characters are rowing a boat when they bump against drowned bodies. Not graphic.
~A drowned man washes up on a beach. Moderately graphic- the stench and bloat is described.
~A finger is missing from a dead body- "hacked" off. Later the finger is found- shriveled and mummified.
~A doctor bleeds his patients.
~A side character gets caught in a hunter's trap. he screams as it bites through his muscle and bone. Not graphic
~A character is attacked, bound and gagged, and stuffed in a barrel alive. Very graphic with descriptions of pain and suffering.
~Puppets hit, hang, and yell at each other. One is thrown into "hellfire" and talks with the devil in a comedic manner
Romance and sensuality:
~Slight innuendo
~A married couple are reunited and spend the night in the attic. Our main character sleeps downstairs and apparently hears "sounds" from upstairs. Nothing is described- just briefly mentioned.
~Two main characters kiss- very brief
~Two characters get married
Language:
~"Whore" is used 10 times
~"Sh*t" is used twice
~ "A*ss" or it's variation is used 5 times
~ Childish language such as dolt, simpleton, tramp, fart, buggar, stupid, etc.
~"Hell/hellish/hellhole used 11 times
~D*mn/ d*mned/d*mmed used 16 times
~"Bleeding" used as an explicative multiple times
~ B*astard is used a few times- mostly in the context of a child born out of wedlock
~ "Devil" used 5 times
~God's name is misused 20 times, along with Jesus' once, and the Lord's 5
~"P*ss" is used a few times
Drinking, drugs, and smoking:
~Many mentions of ale, brandy, mead, whisky, rum etc. Some side characters become intoxicated. One is an alcoholic. Some uses are medicinal
~ Mention of tobacco
Other:
~Racism is prevalent in this book, directed toward dark-skinned Caleb. He is called "darkie" multiple times, assumed to be a slave. He faces a hefty amount of disrespect- although the book doesn't necessarily deal too heavily with this topic.
January 3, 2018
For as long as he can remember fifteen year old Caleb has been traveling southern England with his father helping him entertain people with Punch and Judy shows in order to make a living. This life comes to an abrupt halt when Caleb’s father is falsely accused of theft and sentenced to be transported to the American colonies. Before they are separated, Caleb’s father tells him how to find his Aunt Anne who will help him. With no other options, Caleb follows his father’s directions and eventually finds his aunt who is living in Fishpool, a seafaring town on the coast. Anne’s husband is a sailor who is out at sea when Caleb arrives. She and her step daughter Letty earn money by taking on sewing projects. The people of Fishpool are immediately suspicious of Caleb because he is biracial, but his aunt welcomes him into her home. Caleb is beginning to settle into his new life when he makes a shocking discovery that makes him question what really happened to his father.
Hell and High Water is an exciting mix of historical fiction, mystery and adventure. Caleb and Letty are both fully fleshed out characters whose struggles will be relatable to teen readers. Both have lost parents and been forced to take on responsibilities before they are completely ready. In a time when the roles of men and women were very clearly defined, Letty’s skills as a sailor and Caleb’s talent with a needle and thread are not socially acceptable. Though the two don’t like or trust each other in the beginning, they eventually find common ground in solving the mystery of what happened to Caleb’s father and how the ship that Letty’s father was working on may have been involved. The big bad in the novel is the wealthy landowner Sir Robert Fairbrother who basically owns the entire town and many of the ships that go in and out of its port. His involvement in the fates of both Caleb and Letty’s fathers is undeniable, but can they find the information they need to prove it? Though the book is set in 1752, themes of exploitation by the rich, corruption, racism, and an unethical criminal justice system will not be unfamiliar to contemporary readers. This is a worthy addition to teen collections but may require hand selling due to the historical setting.
Hell and High Water is an exciting mix of historical fiction, mystery and adventure. Caleb and Letty are both fully fleshed out characters whose struggles will be relatable to teen readers. Both have lost parents and been forced to take on responsibilities before they are completely ready. In a time when the roles of men and women were very clearly defined, Letty’s skills as a sailor and Caleb’s talent with a needle and thread are not socially acceptable. Though the two don’t like or trust each other in the beginning, they eventually find common ground in solving the mystery of what happened to Caleb’s father and how the ship that Letty’s father was working on may have been involved. The big bad in the novel is the wealthy landowner Sir Robert Fairbrother who basically owns the entire town and many of the ships that go in and out of its port. His involvement in the fates of both Caleb and Letty’s fathers is undeniable, but can they find the information they need to prove it? Though the book is set in 1752, themes of exploitation by the rich, corruption, racism, and an unethical criminal justice system will not be unfamiliar to contemporary readers. This is a worthy addition to teen collections but may require hand selling due to the historical setting.
December 8, 2017
It’s 1752 in England and it’s just Caleb and his dad travelling the country with their outrageous Punch and Judy puppet show to make ends meet.
Caleb is used to the stares and comments he gets from strangers that call him a “darkie” or say his hair is as “woolly as a sheep.” Caleb knows he doesn’t share his dad’s pale skin nor his dad’s outgoing personality which makes him a natural for show business.
Then one day his dad ends up in jail for a theft he didn’t commit. Even though the penalty for stealing is death, the Bishop’s intervention results in Caleb’s dad being sent to the colonies for seven years.
Caleb’s dad tells him to go find an aunt he never knew about and says, “I will find you again, my boy, come hell or high water!”
So Caleb takes a dangerous journey on foot to find his aunt and ends up in a poor town called Fishpool on the edge of the sea. There he meets his Aunt Anne for the first time and her step-daughter, Letty, who despises him on sight—mainly because she’s never seen his coloring before.
Anne and Letty are scrambling to earn rent money since Anne’s husband, Edward, is out at sea for the local nobleman, Sir Robert Fairbrother. The two work in the house sewing for others and washing the laundry of the sailors who come to port.
Luckily, Caleb has better sewing stitches than Letty—thanks to helping his dad create the costumes for the Punch and Judy puppets—so he quickly becomes Anne’s assistant and they are able to make more money by completing more sewing and laundry work.
One day while gathering firewood on the beach, Caleb spies a bloated dead body that is wearing his dad’s unique signet ring, but later the parson and Sir Fairbrother deny that the body is his dad’s and that there was ever a ring on his body.
Letty agrees with Caleb that the parson is lying and two unite in the cause to find out the truth and undertake dangerous actions to solve this mystery. They need to tread carefully because Sir Fairbrother owns all their land so they could end up homeless or worse.
Modern issues of justice, race, corruption, and greed drive this captivating historical fiction story that’s based on the real sinking of the ship Nightingale in 1752.
Caleb is used to the stares and comments he gets from strangers that call him a “darkie” or say his hair is as “woolly as a sheep.” Caleb knows he doesn’t share his dad’s pale skin nor his dad’s outgoing personality which makes him a natural for show business.
Then one day his dad ends up in jail for a theft he didn’t commit. Even though the penalty for stealing is death, the Bishop’s intervention results in Caleb’s dad being sent to the colonies for seven years.
Caleb’s dad tells him to go find an aunt he never knew about and says, “I will find you again, my boy, come hell or high water!”
So Caleb takes a dangerous journey on foot to find his aunt and ends up in a poor town called Fishpool on the edge of the sea. There he meets his Aunt Anne for the first time and her step-daughter, Letty, who despises him on sight—mainly because she’s never seen his coloring before.
Anne and Letty are scrambling to earn rent money since Anne’s husband, Edward, is out at sea for the local nobleman, Sir Robert Fairbrother. The two work in the house sewing for others and washing the laundry of the sailors who come to port.
Luckily, Caleb has better sewing stitches than Letty—thanks to helping his dad create the costumes for the Punch and Judy puppets—so he quickly becomes Anne’s assistant and they are able to make more money by completing more sewing and laundry work.
One day while gathering firewood on the beach, Caleb spies a bloated dead body that is wearing his dad’s unique signet ring, but later the parson and Sir Fairbrother deny that the body is his dad’s and that there was ever a ring on his body.
Letty agrees with Caleb that the parson is lying and two unite in the cause to find out the truth and undertake dangerous actions to solve this mystery. They need to tread carefully because Sir Fairbrother owns all their land so they could end up homeless or worse.
Modern issues of justice, race, corruption, and greed drive this captivating historical fiction story that’s based on the real sinking of the ship Nightingale in 1752.
August 14, 2017
This historical fiction novel for young adults set in 1752 is surprisingly gripping; I got caught up immediately in the mysteries surrounding 15-year-old Caleb Chappell.
Caleb is mixed-race, and frequently misidentified as a slave while he accompanies his white father Joseph around the English countryside putting on Punch and Judy puppet shows. But as the book begins, his father is falsely accused of a crime and taken away, condemned to transportation to the colonies. Before they are separated, his father tells Caleb how to find his aunt, about whose existence he had been unaware.
Caleb finally locates Anne Avery, who faints dead away when she sees him; why? Just one more of the unexplained puzzles you will encounter in this appealing story. Caleb also gets to know Anne’s stepdaughter Letty, who eventually joins forces with Caleb in trying to figure out what is going on.
Racism prevents Caleb from finding work to help out Anne and her little family (she also has a baby named Dorcas) but he is able to assist Anne in mending clothes on contract. (Letty is stronger than Caleb and so the traditional gender roles get reversed with these two.) Meanwhile, Caleb finds a dead body, runs up against baffling barriers to finding out what happened to his father, and learns first-hand about the cruel injustices of not only race but class. The odds are so stacked against them, you will be hanging on your seat to see if they come out this tale with any success, or even survive at all, as Caleb and Letty face an accusation of murder.
Evaluation: There are many twists in this riveting story about the corruption of power and money, and the impotence of those without them. The pacing is excellent, and Caleb and Letty are strong characters, using their wits and courage to fight a system against seemingly insuperable odds.
Rating: 3.75/5
Caleb is mixed-race, and frequently misidentified as a slave while he accompanies his white father Joseph around the English countryside putting on Punch and Judy puppet shows. But as the book begins, his father is falsely accused of a crime and taken away, condemned to transportation to the colonies. Before they are separated, his father tells Caleb how to find his aunt, about whose existence he had been unaware.
Caleb finally locates Anne Avery, who faints dead away when she sees him; why? Just one more of the unexplained puzzles you will encounter in this appealing story. Caleb also gets to know Anne’s stepdaughter Letty, who eventually joins forces with Caleb in trying to figure out what is going on.
Racism prevents Caleb from finding work to help out Anne and her little family (she also has a baby named Dorcas) but he is able to assist Anne in mending clothes on contract. (Letty is stronger than Caleb and so the traditional gender roles get reversed with these two.) Meanwhile, Caleb finds a dead body, runs up against baffling barriers to finding out what happened to his father, and learns first-hand about the cruel injustices of not only race but class. The odds are so stacked against them, you will be hanging on your seat to see if they come out this tale with any success, or even survive at all, as Caleb and Letty face an accusation of murder.
Evaluation: There are many twists in this riveting story about the corruption of power and money, and the impotence of those without them. The pacing is excellent, and Caleb and Letty are strong characters, using their wits and courage to fight a system against seemingly insuperable odds.
Rating: 3.75/5
March 21, 2018
Landman, Tanya Hell and High Water 312 pages. Candlewick, 2015. $17.99. Language: PG (several mild swears), Mature Content: PG, Violence: PG.
Caleb and his father earn a living as street performers until the day his father is falsely charged with stealing and sent to jail. With nowhere else to go, Caleb journeys to the coast to move in with his aunt and her stepdaughter, Letty. Caleb is an outcast in the village because of his dark skin, but being accepted is soon to be the last of his problems. When he stumbles upon a dead body on the beach, he recognizes it to be that of his father by the ring he wears. He tries to convince the village leaders of the body’s identity, but only Letty believes him. What follows is a cover-up and rampant corruption. Caleb is determined to solve the mystery, expose the corruption and restore his father’s good name.
The story is set in 1700s England. Caleb is bi-racial and there are questions surrounding his identity. I found myself fully engaged in the story. It is historical fiction, but also full of mystery and adventure. I loved reading about the description of life in a fishing village in the 1700s and the corruption that was common in those days. A wealthy landowner could successfully bribe everyone, including the religious leaders. I was stunned by the lack of justice. A great example of how refusing to conform and determination to seek justice can bring down the bad guys in the end. Will probably only appeal to kids who seek out historical fiction as their preferred genre.
HS, MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Caleb and his father earn a living as street performers until the day his father is falsely charged with stealing and sent to jail. With nowhere else to go, Caleb journeys to the coast to move in with his aunt and her stepdaughter, Letty. Caleb is an outcast in the village because of his dark skin, but being accepted is soon to be the last of his problems. When he stumbles upon a dead body on the beach, he recognizes it to be that of his father by the ring he wears. He tries to convince the village leaders of the body’s identity, but only Letty believes him. What follows is a cover-up and rampant corruption. Caleb is determined to solve the mystery, expose the corruption and restore his father’s good name.
The story is set in 1700s England. Caleb is bi-racial and there are questions surrounding his identity. I found myself fully engaged in the story. It is historical fiction, but also full of mystery and adventure. I loved reading about the description of life in a fishing village in the 1700s and the corruption that was common in those days. A wealthy landowner could successfully bribe everyone, including the religious leaders. I was stunned by the lack of justice. A great example of how refusing to conform and determination to seek justice can bring down the bad guys in the end. Will probably only appeal to kids who seek out historical fiction as their preferred genre.
HS, MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
November 6, 2017
If you like 18th century historical fiction, this one is for you. This one in particular brings a bit of diversity into the story, with some racial overtones that may resonate today.
15 year old Caleb assists his father in a Punch and Judy outdoor theatre. He knows nothing of his mother; but clearly she was dark skinned as he is. When dad gets arrested and sentenced to transportation to the new American colonies, Caleb gets sent to his aunt in another village, where his skin impedes his ability to earn a living. Not that his aunt is making much money either.
And then a mystery presents itself. There's evidence of foul play regarding his dad, a ship that sinks, and the beginnings of what is now known as insurance fraud. All connected to the wealthy landowner who runs the whole town and surroundings. And because it involves his father, Caleb and new friend Letty (whose own father is involuntarily connected) commit themselves to solving it.
Truth will out in the end, but during the quest, there's lots of action, lots of information about life in that time period, and an appropriate amount of discussion about discrimination based on not only skin color, but class (England being a highly classed society). It was all balanced nicely, and I found the writing well down. The author is British but Britishisms are not prevalent, so it's easy for an American audience to read.
15 year old Caleb assists his father in a Punch and Judy outdoor theatre. He knows nothing of his mother; but clearly she was dark skinned as he is. When dad gets arrested and sentenced to transportation to the new American colonies, Caleb gets sent to his aunt in another village, where his skin impedes his ability to earn a living. Not that his aunt is making much money either.
And then a mystery presents itself. There's evidence of foul play regarding his dad, a ship that sinks, and the beginnings of what is now known as insurance fraud. All connected to the wealthy landowner who runs the whole town and surroundings. And because it involves his father, Caleb and new friend Letty (whose own father is involuntarily connected) commit themselves to solving it.
Truth will out in the end, but during the quest, there's lots of action, lots of information about life in that time period, and an appropriate amount of discussion about discrimination based on not only skin color, but class (England being a highly classed society). It was all balanced nicely, and I found the writing well down. The author is British but Britishisms are not prevalent, so it's easy for an American audience to read.
October 4, 2017
This was.....a surprisingly great read!
The blurb at the back first attracted my attention, but the beginning of the book kinda lost it...but as the story progressed, it definitely gained back some excitement!
What happened to Caleb's father was awful, and my heart just weeps for his fate! Caleb's father was a great man, and had such an admirable talent as a maestro of his puppet show.
Like any good mystery novel, Caleb went through all sorts of trouble to try and "solve" his father's murder...although I guess in this case...it's to restore his father's name. It was both touching and endearing to watch as Caleb grew from a scrawny, insecure boy to a (mostly) capable man with quick wits.
The characters in this book were all distinct, too! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how each character played his or her part in the novel (yes, even the villains!), about all the decisions they had to make, the revelations and the failures.
Anyways....overall, definitely a good read! 4 solid stars!
Now....to convince my sister to read this.......
The blurb at the back first attracted my attention, but the beginning of the book kinda lost it...but as the story progressed, it definitely gained back some excitement!
What happened to Caleb's father was awful, and my heart just weeps for his fate! Caleb's father was a great man, and had such an admirable talent as a maestro of his puppet show.
Like any good mystery novel, Caleb went through all sorts of trouble to try and "solve" his father's murder...although I guess in this case...it's to restore his father's name. It was both touching and endearing to watch as Caleb grew from a scrawny, insecure boy to a (mostly) capable man with quick wits.
The characters in this book were all distinct, too! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how each character played his or her part in the novel (yes, even the villains!), about all the decisions they had to make, the revelations and the failures.
Anyways....overall, definitely a good read! 4 solid stars!
Now....to convince my sister to read this.......
May 8, 2018
The writing was that of a wattpad story, I couldn't identify with the characters at all. The plot in itself was good and interesting but wasn't done well. I was confused about what Calebs personality was, he was shy yet outspoken, it felt like the author hadn't decided what personality she wanted for him. The author needs to get a good lesson of "Show don't tell" and "How human emotions work". Obviously, the boy an the girl end up together at the end with no romantic chemistry beforehand because they're the opposite gender. Maybe it's because of my personal high standards when it comes to books, but I just didn't enjoy this at all, if you also consider yourself to have a high standard of books, don't read this one, its a waste of time. Please don't take this as an insult, it's just my personal opinion.
June 17, 2017
Caleb and his dad travel through the streets of old London making a living doing Punch and Judy puppet shows for coins from the crowd. His life is a good one until the day his dad is taken for a thief and sent to a penal colony in Australia. Caleb is told to find the aunt he never knew in a small town along the coast where he is taken in and slowly becomes one of the family. The villagers don't trust Caleb's dark skin or the fact that his dad is a convict and trouble and danger only continue when a dead man is washed up on the beach and a greater cover-up is unearthed. Good character development mixed with a great adventure makes this historical fiction that will appeal to kids and adults.
December 11, 2018
I'd give this 3 1/2 stars: it was realistic historical fiction from a unique point of view. Caleb is a biracial teen in 18th c England facing constant racism. His white father is a Punch and Judy performer and the two of them travel the countryside, making what little living they can. But when Caleb's father is framed for theft, he is sentenced to death or transport to America and Caleb must find his aunt to make a new life. What he finds is the truth about his family and his rightful place in the world.
Racism, class struggles, and 18th c life are all vividly described in this enjoyable adventure story.
Racism, class struggles, and 18th c life are all vividly described in this enjoyable adventure story.
November 8, 2020
What a pleasant surprise this turned out to be. A tale of greed and corruption by the rich and powerful whose position allows them to circumvent the laws of Britain. No, it's not set in 2020 but in 1752 Devon but nothing much seems to have been different then. The half-caste son of a Punch and Judy man finds himself alone when his father is wrongly found guilty of theft and transported to the colonies ( America ) for 7 years. But all is not what it seems ! The book is an easy and quick read - despite its 300+ pages - with a stream of entertaining incidents along the way . Although my first book by this authoress , I shall certainly try more.
July 26, 2017
Excellent sense of place (1700s England), how they deal with a black person (such as with constant comments about him needing to be sheared), and the ultimate power of the rich over the poor. Caleb and Letty are great characters, as they try and discover what happened to Caleb's father, what the town's landlord is up to, and once they find out the truth, who they can tell that would actually do something about it. This is the best explanation for the popularity of Punch and Judy humor, too.
January 19, 2019
I liked this story. The cover of the book I had was way prettier than this one. It is ombre colored waves with the title in white cursive writing on the front. I gave this an 8/10 because it felt like that kind of book for me. I liked the twist of Anne being Caleb's mother because I truly didn't see it coming. This book deserve a good 4/5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2022
When I first was given it as part of a mystery book bundle, I was unsure whether I would enjoy it.
However after picking up thinking I'll attempt it, I was suprise to be really stuck into the story line.
As with most children's books some of the plot was obvious, but was written so well to capture the soul of each character to make you enthralled into the story line.
However after picking up thinking I'll attempt it, I was suprise to be really stuck into the story line.
As with most children's books some of the plot was obvious, but was written so well to capture the soul of each character to make you enthralled into the story line.
May 6, 2024
The writing was fairly evocative, which I liked; the historical setting came to life. The description of the Punch and Judy shows were far more interesting than any exposure to Punch and Judy has been to me before. The mystery didn't intrigue me though, as I guessed the main elements of it really early on (and am very picky with mystery stories anyway).
July 8, 2017
It was absolutely amazing a book and I loved it. The ending (I won't spoil it) was great and I almost cried. The characters are well-written but I wish that some had been developed further since I couldn't mourn some of them the same. Heart-wrenching, impressive, and interesting.
November 2, 2017
Loved it. Son of a puppeteer must survive after his father is wrongly accused and arrested for being a pickpocket. Making it even more difficult, he is black and mistaken for a slave or worse wherever he goes.
November 13, 2017
An interesting time period to set a mystery in. It had a slow start, but once I got to the middle, I did want to know more about what was going to happen to the characters. There was a lot in it from racism, classism, and intricate crimes that needed to be teased out.
May 17, 2018
I thought this was a well done mystery that was not too easy to predict and had interesting characters to follow along. Sometimes it got a bit repetitive and used the same adjuctives over and over, but I still enjoyed the story part of it.
September 4, 2018
This was a great adventure story, and I really appreciated that the author portrayed the life of a young man of African descent as the main character. He is smart, determined and resourceful. The young woman of the book is just as, if not more capable. Very enjoyable historical novel.
October 11, 2017
Historical Fiction, Mystery
Compelling, diverse characters and interesting smuggling intrigue and murder with subplot of puppetry that is entertaining and fascinating to read.
Compelling, diverse characters and interesting smuggling intrigue and murder with subplot of puppetry that is entertaining and fascinating to read.
November 22, 2017
A thoughtful, historical adventure (England in the 1700s) with interesting characters. I had a difficult time putting this down.
April 9, 2019
A sparkling book.
https://www.varshaseshan.com/hell-and...
https://www.varshaseshan.com/hell-and...
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