This lesser-known novel by Charles Kingsley—Anglican priest, social reformer, and author of The Water-Babies—blends Victorian realism, moral drama, and adventure in a tale of redemption set against the backdrop of the Crimean War and a deadly cholera epidemic.
The story follows Tom Thurnall, a cynical and self-reliant doctor who returns to his English coastal village after two years abroad, only to confront his past failures and a community in crisis. Through storms at sea, outbreaks of disease, and romantic entanglements, Tom evolves from a hardened materialist into a man of compassion, influenced by the devout Grace Harvey and the horrors of war.
Kingsley’s narrative weaves social commentary (on public health, class, and faith) with vivid scenes of nature, reflecting his passions as a naturalist and Christian Socialist. The 1908 edition, likely part of a collected works series, preserves the original’s urgency while offering period-specific bindings and typography.
A fascinating window into mid-Victorian anxieties and ideals, ideal for readers of historical fiction or 19th-century literature.
