The Somerset Tsunami

by Emma Carroll

SOMERSET, 1616

A sinking boat...
A girl in disguise...
A disappearing sea...

When Fortune Sharpe carves a boat from a tree with her beloved brother Jem, she's only having a bit of fun. But now is not the time for a girl to be drawing attention to herself and she is sent away to find work dressed as a boy. Luckily a rich manor house is hiring.

Yet Barrow Hall's inhabitants harbour dangerous secrets of their own, the suspicious owner is hunting for witches, and the house itself is a little too close to the sea...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Horses

294 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

After years of teaching English to secondary school students, Emma now writes full time. She graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing For Young People. In another life Emma wishes she’d written ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier. She lives in the Somerset hills with her husband and three terriers.

Reviews

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best things about this book:
- The location is quite local to me!
- Inspired by real historical events (witch trials, an actual tsunami)

The Somerset Tsunami follows a young Somerset girl called Fortune, who is quickly sent away by her Mum to disguise herself as a boy and find work. The witch trials are rife throughout England and if she isn't careful, she might end up as one of the victims. Really well-written with an array of likeable and dislikable characters. Good MG read for younger readers!

[Julie Bramhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another corker from the brilliant Emma Carroll! An excellent historical tale with strong female leads that demonstrate the human spirit in all its grim and glorious detail. I'm still thinking about it long after finishing it!

[Dannii Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her tenth novel, Emma Carroll tells the story of a girl named Fortune, who is sent away to work dressed as a boy amidst the terror of the witch trials, and the adventure that ensues after a tsunami hits and people believe that witchcraft is to blame. I loved Fortune a lot, and the secondary characters were also amazing- I was particularly fond of Susanna, but also really liked Ellis and Jem, and thought Dr Blood was a phenomenal villain (and WHAT a name!). I`ll be honest, I wasn`t quite sure how the plot of this would unfold, but I needn`t have worried because it was a perfectly paced and utterly engaging adventure- it`s a really hard book to talk about without spoilers but I just loved every second of reading it, and Emma`s writing style is still one of my favourites of all time. At this point, there just aren`t sufficiently gushy superlatives to do Emma Carroll justice to be honest; she really is one of the most talented authors writing in middle grade right now, and I can`t see myself ever not picking up a new release by her as soon as I possibly can! 5/5

[Hana Tooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this cover to cover in less than a day. Beautifully atmospheric Somerset setting, wonderfully sinister witch-hunting villains (Dr Blood - genius), and a pacy, thrilling plot.

All in all: Gert lush!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best Emma Carroll we have read so far, agreed my granddaughter and I as I finished reading aloud the author’s note, attesting to the fact of the flood of 1607 which gave the book its name. As always it was a pleasure to read aloud (giving me rather too much scope for West Country accents). The book provided a great sense of time and place, but cleverly incorporated a strong feminist message and a warning about mob passions. Well worth all the praise given to it, the current score of 4.33 is very appropriate.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Emma Carroll book I’ve read and it did not disappoint. I was transported to a Somerset full of colourful characters, prejudice, greed and out and out courage. Fortune Sharpe is a likeable heroine and her journey through the Tsunami, and witch trials is matched by her own journey discovering who she is and what makes her happy. This may be a children’s book but it’s a classic thriller for any age.

[Lio · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Review to come. :)

[Sebaloo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Mabel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, probably one of my favourite Emma Carroll books that i have read so far!
I liked how intense it was, a very thrilling story.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book the ended was so nice and sweet and I adore the characters sm x

[Diane Ronoh]

The characters are Fortune, Jem, and Mama.

The setting takes place in Somerset England on a beach.


The problem is people think that she is a witch!

The solution is she gets sent to a house to work as a maid and changes her identity to a boy.

The story is funny and sad but it's a good one if you like historical fiction.😄

[Hannah Shattock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Emma Carroll's writing, there is such grace and charm to the stories she tells. I had no problem reading this and understood all of it.

Fortune Sharpe was always going to be an explosive character with that name! I found Fortune to hold a lot of bravery and loyalty within her. She had a quick mind and that served her well on her adventure. The characters were fully formed and had thoughts and actions of their own. Everything that happened felt real for the characters involved and I enjoyed that each character was show to have a happy ending.

I had no issue with visualising this and was able to construct a clear image of what was happening through the details and descriptions given.

Over this year I have grown such a soft spot for Emma Carroll and her work and this was no exception. The story was compelling and consuming. I read it in one sitting and I found the story to be thrilling, interesting and adventurous. I loved it!

[Kate Darbishire · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is easy to get swept away into Emma Carroll's books and The Somerset Tsunami is no exception. I love how real historical events are weaved into this fast paced, exciting story. A great read for ages 10+.

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me say this at the start...I’m a massive fan of Emma Carroll books.  So much so that I find them impossible to put down and always end up finishing them way too quickly.  Naturally, I had high hopes for another cracking historical adventure and The Somerset Tsunami does not disappoint.  Carroll is the go to author when you need a fix of middle-grade historical fiction and in The Somerset Tsunami she brings her home county to life in a glorious tale of survival against extreme floods, superstitions and witchcraft.

The story is centred around the real life flooding event that occurred in 1607 that swamped the coastline counties of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon and South Wales. What was originally assumed to be a flood is now believed to have been a tsunami. The book itself is moved forward a few years to 1616 and is a fast-paced, thrilling adventure that combines an exciting story with local history.

Welcome to Fair Maidens Lane, very much true to its name it is home to many a maiden. It is a place where women and girls live well and are more than capable of looking after themselves. But a thriving community of women draws attention, and not of the good kind. Change is in the air. Men are wary of women who thrive by themselves and fears of witchcraft are spreading like a fever. Suspicion is breeding across the land from Kings James’ obsession with witches and witchcraft, and witch trials are rife throughout the country.

Fortune Sharpe isn’t one for fitting in yet now is not the time for a young girl to be standing out. So when she gets herself noticed for the wrong reasons she is hastily sent away to the hiring fair to find work disguised as a boy. Fortunately, the owner of a well-to-do manor house is hiring. But all is not well at Berrow Hall - everyone is hiding secrets and rather than escaping the witch-hunting villains Fortune finds herself working for a man who blames witchcraft for the death of his wife and if she isn’t careful she might find herself in the clutches of the very people she has been sent away to avoid.

Emma Carroll’s writing has the knack of bringing alive a specific time in history and really immersing the reader in the period with her beautiful and atmospheric prose. I admire her skill for being able to turn historical events into enthralling reads for children (and adults).

The characters in The Somerset Tsunami are great - there are ones you’ll love, ones you’ll hate and ones that you’ll need to be wary of. I love Fortune Sharpe, a feisty and fearless heroine who in wanting to remain true to herself must battle the views of those at the very highest levels of power. What starts off as innocent fun quickly becomes a life or death situation and I really enjoyed her growth from noisy, reckless and mischievous teenager to responsible decision maker. In Dr. Blood, Carroll has created a truly terrifying villain whose name is a perfect embodiment of his character.

Whilst the book is set over four hundred years ago many of the messages and issues are still relevant to today. The ease with which hatred and fear is spread by just a few simple words is frightening and is an important lesson for readers of any age. The book challenges gender stereotypes and has strong messages about not fitting in, being different and standing out from the crowd. Even at a time when you were expected to abide by the rules and ‘fit in’ Carroll shows the strength of the human spirit and the importance of being who you want to be.

Carroll is one of the leading writers of middle-grade fiction and rightfully remains on her throne as the “Queen of Historical Fiction”. This is one tsunami that is definitely worth getting swept away in. A read suited to 10+.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved reading this story as it is about my home county, Somerset. It's always intersting to read about places you know and have been.

Fortune Sharpe is frowned upon for being different - she doesn't like to sew or wear dresses and prefers being by the sea. With the hunt for witches becoming more prevalent in the 1600s, Fortune's mother wants to try and protect her so she sends her off to the hiring market dressed as a boy. Luckily she gets hired by a rich landowner who hires him to be his son's servant and ironically is given the task to make the son 'more manly'.

Ellis and his sister Susannah soon work out that Fortune is actually a girl but are willing to keep her secret if she keeps Ellis' acrobat talents a secret from his father, Mr Spicer. Meanwhile, Mr Spicer and Doctor Blood want to win the King's favour so that they can use his navy for protection for their sugar trade business. They think that they can do this by having a witch trial (as King James is really into witch hunting).

Events hit a climax when Ellis runs away with a travelling performance group and then a tsunami hits the coast killing all of Mr Spicer's household and many others. Fortune miraculously survives and keeps the youngest Spicer sibling, Bea, alive as well. She floats all the way to Glastonbury and then finds refuge on the Tor (although this is not named in the story). She is also reunited with Susannah. Unfortunately, Dr Blood is looking for someone to blame for the flood and his suspicions lie on Fortune.

The rest of the book is essentially Fortune, Susannah and Bea escaping from Dr Blood but then eventually getting caught, escaping and then getting caught again. It ends with the witch trial in which King James attends and Mr Hopkins the witch hunter.

This book really plays with gender roles and stereotypes and I find it refreshing to see how historical fiction doesn't have to be stuck in the Prejudice of the time. Great for teenage readers.

My one criticism would be that Carrol tries to include too many historical events into one quite short story; flood, witch trials, slave trade etc.. In doing so, I feel that none of the plots are detailed enough and only really skim the surface. There also seems to be quite a few gaps in the narrative.

[Brona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carroll writes engaging, adventure-packed historical fiction and she has done it again with The Somerset Tsunami. The story is centred around a real life flooding event in Jan 1607 that devastated the coastline of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon and South Wales. Added into the mix is a witch hunt, the rights of women and the effects of the burgeoning slave and sugar trades.

Carroll shows how ignorance (of science), fear and greed led to blaming people who acted or looked a little different for everything that was wrong in this society. By accusing those less fortunate or less powerful and creating public spectacles, many influential men were able to turn the public gaze away from their dubious land-grabbing, economic and expansionist tendencies.

Unfortunately many of the so called witches owned prime land (inherited from husbands or parents) or were outspoken about the affairs of these men. Gender roles were strictly adhered to; anyone who was different was automatically under suspicion. As Carroll said in the Q&A at the end of the book, "the early seventeenth century is particularly vivid and violent example of what happens when gender roles are enforced to the extreme."

Carroll also acknowledges the illustrator Julian De Narvaez, who has created all the designs for her books, for his ability to cleverly mix "the eerie with the nostalgic, so you feel as if you're about to read something old-fashioned, yet not quite traditional."

Highly recommended for mature 10+ lovers of historical fiction.

[Chrysa]

They really built up the relationship between Fortune and Susanna only to force a no-homo in the end and try to force a thing between Suzanna and Fortune's brother, and for that I can't give it more than 2-3 stars. This isn't the only fault I found in the book, it's just the one that ticked me off the most. It really comes off as queerbaiting considering this was published in 2019, when we've had gay characters in teen media for a while.

The denouement felt very contrived, the characters were too inconsistent, and the majority of the story was a massive idiot plot. Why would Susanne bring the one thing she's supposed to be hiding, to the house of the guy she's supposed to be hiding it from? Why would Fortune take them to the first place anyone would look for them? Why would her brother try to free her while there's a massive crowd outside the prison? And if Blood was looking to frame Fortune -and not Susanna- all along, like he claims when he catches her, then why let her go in the first place?

It wasn't bad, and I've read way worse than this -especially recently, where I've been on a hot streak of garbage- which is why I've decided to be so generous with my rating. The more I think about it though, the more I rethink that third star.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Somerset Tsunami by Emma Carroll is an exciting children’s historical novel that is perfect for ages ten years and over. This book will entertain you whatever your age.
The novel is set in 1616 and has its foundations in fact. There really was a Somerset tsunami. The rest of the story is fictional.
Within the book we see the disparity between the classes and the sexes. The ruling class looked down on those they deemed to be beneath them. The working class had large hearts and a spirit of generosity.
Males were seen as superior to females. It was decided that a teenage boy would be better than any woman, to rule a hamlet that consisted of women and children.
A character pretends to be male in order to gain employment. The story shows that the females had more strength of character than their male counterparts.
During the seventeenth century there were infamous witch trials. We see the fear that this spread amongst women. They were no match for the ruthless pack that hunted them.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. They elicited a variety of responses from me.
The Somerset Tsunami is an exciting tale, full of derring-do and adventure.

[Sootysweep · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book that seems very historically-accurate. You can relate to the characters and you feel like you are there with them. The story keeps you interested and you want to read on. You find out a lot of things that you didn’t know about that period of history. The characters are fun and the plot is good. The characters as people change a lot over the course of the book and also you find out a lot about their personalities as you read. I really enjoyed this book. In the middle, I thought that it was a little too dark but eventually it picked up a bit. You feel like you are with the characters. Lots of exciting things happen that you didn’t see coming. It is a fun book to read and a bit of a change to quite a lot of other children’s books. It also is a bit mysterious which makes it even more exciting.

[Jane Branson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Somerset Tsunami, like Emma Carroll's other novels, is big on history. This time she zooms in on the early 17th century, when girls were supposed to be girls and witches were hunted down and tested by drowning. Fortune Sharpe, however, is bucking the trends of the day. A sub-plot involving slavery and the sugar trade adds historical detail, while the Somerset flood of 1607 (now thought by experts to have been a rare UK tsunami) provides a dramatic geographical backdrop. About this, there is a Timewatch documentary on YouTube if you want to use it as a hook or link the book to the study of extreme weather events. Recommend this to children aged 9 - 12 who've enjoyed other Carroll books, or love the historical novels of Jacqueline Wilson.

[Pritee ^_−☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My expectations for this book was high because I have fond memories of reading “Frost Hollow Hall” (another work of the same author) which has been proudly titled by younger me “favourite book ever”.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed “The Somerset Tsunami”. It had all the elements that I loved about frost hollow hall: the writing style (similar to children’s book such as Anne of green gables), the historical setting and most importantly the powerful, strong female lead.

Although I didn’t enjoy the book as much as frost hollow hall (probably because I am 19 now so my preferences have changed), but the adventure book was amazingly written.

My fave quote from the book:

“Imagine how dull life would be if we could explain every single little thing”

4.4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Nicola Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book as I watch a Timewatch documentary a few years ago ‘The Killer Wave’ about the 1607 Bristol Channel floods. I also love Historical Fiction and I was born in Somerset.
Set in deepest Somerset during the 17th century, Fortune Sharpe is not your average girl. Strong-witted and determined, Fortune is quickly sent away by her Mum to disguise herself as a boy and find work.
Yet Barrow Hall's inhabitants harbour dangerous secrets of their own, the suspicious owner is hunting for witches, and the house itself is a little too close to the sea...
I really enjoyed the fast paced story and learning more about the 17th century and the witch trials

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading The Somerset Tsunami, having not read the blurb, I was expecting the novel to focus on the devastation caused by a tsunami. However, it focused more on the witch hunts of 17th century England when King James I was determined to rid the English of witches and witchcraft.

I loved the strong female characters in this book and the bonds that were formed between various characters. Also, Dr Blood made a perfectly evil villain.

Full of excitement, The Somerset Tsunami, was a thrilling historical novel for middle grade readers. I will be looking for other books by this author.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The historical foundation made for a rich and engaging story. A tsunami in England in an era when there was very little understanding of weather or earthquakes, and belief in witchcraft changed people's lives, especially women.
Fortune finds herself the subject of a witch hunt based on her choice of clothing, short hair, and the tsunami. Susannah's father buys Fortune and employs her as a boy servant, unaware she is a girl. However, when she survives the tsunami, more suspicion of her being a witch arises, and she sets out with Sussanah to escape teh evil Dr Blood. Do the girls survive the witch hunt?
Recommended for readers aged ten years or more.

[Katharine Corr · Rating 5 out of 5]

'We're women thriving on our own - that's what we've done wrong.' I really loved this historical middle grade. The characters are brilliantly engaging, and the social commentary - on the treatment of women in the seventeenth century, in particular with regard to witch trials - is lightly woven into the story. It was easy to cheer on Fortune, our hero, as the threat of accusation and exection gradually built, and Dr Blood was an enjoyably despicable villain. I was really interested to find out that the tsunami described in the book actually happened.

[Syifa Aulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s not the type of book that makes you feel those intense, bursting, uncontrollable kind of emotions.... instead, it takes you on a somehow quiet, peaceful journey that lingers in your heart.... it makes you feel, also somehow, like a proud mother watching her children growing up right & well and become wonderful human beings. i did not expect to feel these emotions after finishing this book, to feel like something has finally been resolved (if it’s even possible??) and i can finally continue my life peacefully knowing that the characters are living their own peaceful lives too :)

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully queer historical fiction for children (and adults!) which deals with an incident of local history where floods and extreme sea weather we now deemed through research by academics to have been a tsunami. This history is interwoven with the 17th Century witch trials to create an interesting exploration of Somerset's history. The book features an interesting and fierce female lead, like many of other Carroll's books, which skillfully challenges gender roles. I adored it!

[EM WATSON · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting Middle Grade book and has far deeper (pardon pun) subtexts than at first glance. I rate this a 4.6 and would have been higher if not for a quite drab beginning. Thought provoking and a worthy classroom book, which does include discussion topics in the final, post-story pages. Well done to the author for taking a subject/historical reference point in history and running with it and weaving a great tale which is a tapestry of provoking fact and fiction.

[Ruth Moss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book due to its themes and because I grew up in Somerset. There were some important things touched on like fear of being different, being your true self, gender stereotypes, witch hunts, historical events, slavery and religion. However, this was a lot to pack into a small book, therefore I felt some things were rushed over. Over all though I enjoyed it and would recommend. I really like Emma Carroll's writing and storytelling but this isn't one of my absolute favourites.