Swept Out to Sea; Or, Clint Webb Among the Whalers

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23674

Title

Swept Out to Sea; Or, Clint Webb Among the Whalers

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A thrilling maritime adventure following Clint Webb, a young sailor whose life changes after a quarrel with his cousin Paul leads him aboard a whaling ship. Set against the backdrop of the South Atlantic, the story blends action, danger, and the harsh realities of whaling life.

Summary up to 500 words

In W. Bert Foster's *Swept Out to Sea; Or, Clint Webb Among the Whalers*, the narrative follows Clint Webb, a young man with a profound love for the sea, whose life is irrevocably altered by a petty quarrel with his cousin, Paul Downes. The story begins on a calm September evening when Clint and Paul are fishing on Clint's sloop, the *Wavecrest*. Their disagreement over the boat's performance and Paul's selfish desire to leave escalates into a physical fight. Enraged and feeling threatened by Paul's weapon, Clint subdues him, but the conflict drives Paul to flee. Clint is subsequently forced to abandon his home life, eventually securing passage on the whaler *Scarboro* under Captain Rogers. Aboard the *Scarboro*, Clint experiences the dual nature of whaling life: the romance of the ocean and the brutal reality of the trade. The novel vividly depicts the excitement of spotting whales, the strategic maneuvering of the ship, and the harrowing process of harpooning and processing the catch. Readers witness the dangers of the sea, including violent storms and hostile encounters with nature. Clint also confronts the moral complexities of his crewmates, observing both the camaraderie and the rougher edges of life at sea. As the plot develops, Clint uncovers the truth regarding his cousin's disappearance. He learns that Paul was manipulated by a crimp at Buenos Aires and that a manipulative lawyer, Mr. Hounsditch, has been exerting undue influence over Clint's mother, Mrs. Webb. Through letters recovered by Captain Rogers, Clint discovers that his mother is being coerced by the lawyer and that his cousin was driven out of his home by his own father, Chester Downes. The narrative resolves these family tensions as Clint decides to return home. Having faced the perils of the ocean and the intrigues of land, he returns with a mature understanding of duty, responsibility, and the importance of protecting his family from external manipulation. The book serves as a gripping glimpse into early 20th-century whaling culture, balancing the adventure of the hunt with the grit of survival.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Sea Stories