Prisoners of the Sea
By Florence Kingsley
Rating: 6 out of 10 stars
Prisoners of the Sea is set during the reign of Louis XIV, when the Catholic persecution of Huguenots (French protestants) was at its height. To be a Huguenot meant to be convicted of treason, lose your property, and be sent to the galleys, a virtual death sentence. In the midst of this turmoil, a mother and daughter flee the country, endeavoring to make their way to America. But their ship sinks, and when the story opens, they are adrift in a small boat with three companions, two sailors and the black cook. Their boat is leaking fast, and they are far out of the track of ships. The prospect looks bleak, but just in the nick of time, they find a deserted yacht and soon after, reach harbor on a small island. Mystery gathers thicker as they discover a deserted chateau, furnished, full of provisions, and apparently left hastily by the owners. Henri Baillot, the French sailor who is leading the little party, and his companions are puzzled by the peaceful, but depopulated island. However, they decide to make the best of their situation, and settle down to a peaceful life to wait for a ship.
