Why a Booktrail?
1929 onwards: A small child is rescued from a shipwreck…and her story will change all those around her…
A Cornish Orphan
What you need to know before your trail
Following a terrible storm, seven-year-old Lottie is rescued from a shipwreck by local Cornishman, Arnie Lanroska. Her clothing suggests she comes from a wealthy family, but Lottie’s back bears the scars of a severe beating, and how she came to be on a cargo ship in the first place remains a mystery . . .
Arnie and his wife already have two young children, Matt and Tom, but are desperate to keep Lottie. They decide to foster her, despite outcries from the local community, and though Matt appears hesitant to get close to Lottie, Tom quickly warms to the new sister in his life.
But when tragedy strikes the very heart of the Lanroska family, the repercussions could change the lives of everyone close to them . .
Travel Guide
St Ives, Cornwall
The author explains in her note at the end of the book that this novel came from a desire to weave in St Ives’ history as a haven for artists as well as some of its more fantastical and folkloric links.
Arty St Ives
Artists for years have said that they love St Ives given the oarticular light you find there, the scenery and the breath-taking seascapes. The Barbara Hepwoth Museum is a must visit and author recommended
Folklore
Sheila is also keen to mention the male voice choirs which are particular to the region as well as the wonderful cakes and saffron bread particular to the town. The folklore of St Ives is made up of wicked giant, sea spirits and spriggans and it’s fun standing on the island, looking out to sea like Lottie did, and seeing if you can spot any of them.
Street theatres such as Hal-an-Tow takes part within the Helston Flora Day celebrations and this is also included in the book to give that extra sense of Cornish pride.
The legends of St Ia and the Maiden’s Tears from the fern cave at Carrack Gladden, the legend of The Stone from Outer Space and the Unwinding Spiral dance again from the Helston Flora Day play a good role in the story which unfolds.
Streetview Maps
A) Cornwall -St Ives - Porthmeor Beach
C) Cornwall - St Ives - The Island
Booktrailer Review
Susan: @thebooktrailer
Sheila Jeffries writes some fine books but this is my favourite so far! A lovely woven tale with so much Cornish essence in it, you could practically spread it on a scone with the famous jam and cream.
The story of a lost shipwrecked girl focuses the limelight on a community and family which is closely knit but the girl’s appearance and their wish to keeper safe changes many of its inhabitants for ever. The mystery of the girl is nicely done, woven in and out, inkeeping with the strong sailing heritage of Cornwall amid stories of pirates and more.
The research Sheila has done for this book is wonderful – not only mixing setting, but legends, food, local language and the role of shipping in the past. St Ives is also a haven for artists I learned and much more besides. Sheila paints a vibrant picture of its time, past and present. IT’s very clever and I loved immersing myself in it – a bit like Lush bathbomb which sends your nose into overdrive as you watch the swirling colours of history, legend and more
Sit back and relax with this one!
Booktrail Boarding Pass: A Cornish Orphan
Destination : Cornwall, St Ives Author/Guide: Sheila Jeffries Departure Time: 1929 onwards
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