Moonfleet by John Meade Falkner

Name: Moonfleet
Author: John Meade Falkner

The narrative follows John Trenchard, a young boy living in the village of Moonfleet, as he navigates a world filled with adventure, danger, and the legacy of the Mohune family. The story begins with John reflecting on his childhood and the village's history, particularly the tragic death of David Block, a local boy killed during a smuggling incident. John's life takes a turn when he becomes involved with the enigmatic Elzevir Block, the owner of the Why Not? inn, who is deeply affected by the loss of his son. As John explores the village and its surroundings, he discovers a hidden passage leading to the Mohune vault, where he finds a locket belonging to Colonel John Mohune, a notorious figure associated with treasure and curses. The locket contains verses from the Bible, which John believes may hold clues to hidden treasure. However, the verses are riddled with errors, leading to confusion about their true meaning. The plot thickens as John and Elzevir become embroiled in the local smuggling trade, facing threats from the law, particularly from Magistrate Maskew, who is determined to eradicate smuggling in the area. Tensions escalate when Maskew is found dead, and both John and Elzevir are implicated in his murder, leading to a bounty on their heads. As they evade capture, John grapples with his feelings for Grace Maskew, Maskew's daughter, who is left vulnerable after her father's death. The story explores themes of loyalty, love, and the consequences of one's actions, as John and Elzevir seek refuge in a hidden cave while plotting their next moves. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a tense confrontation between Elzevir and the authorities, with John's loyalty to Elzevir tested as they navigate the treacherous waters of their circumstances. The story weaves together elements of adventure, mystery, and the supernatural, as John learns about the complexities of adulthood and the weight of legacy in a world where the past continues to haunt the present.

By John Meade Falkner · First published 1898 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 19 chapters · 95,361 words

First lines

So sleeps the pride of former days More

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Moonfleet is listed on Textopian as a novel by John Meade Falkner, dated 1898 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: John Meade Falkner
Date: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Mystery, Romance
Length: 95,361 words
Structure: 19 chapters, 722 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot revolves around thrilling escapades, treasure hunting, and the exploration of the mysterious coastal setting.
Historical Fiction — The story is set in the 18th century and incorporates historical elements and context.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist undergoes significant personal growth and self-discovery throughout the narrative.
Mystery — The plot includes elements of intrigue and suspense, particularly surrounding the treasure and the characters' motivations.