From the Carnegie Medal-winning author of Buffalo Soldier comes the astonishing story of a young man's quest to find justice for his father. Set in eighteenth-century Devon, this is the story of Caleb, the son of a poor puppeteer. When his father is wrongfully accused of theft and sentenced to transportation, Caleb is left all alone in the world. As a mixed race boy living in an age of slavery, he has always been treated with fear and mistrust. Without his father he is more vulnerable than ever, and is forced to seek out his estranged aunt. After a body washes up on a nearby beach, a shattered Caleb finds himself involved in a dastardly plot: a plot that places him and his newfound family in mortal danger. This powerful story holds the reader in suspense as it charts the growth of a frightened boy into a brave young man.
About the Author
Tanya Landman has written numerous books for children and young people, including Buffalo Soldier, winner of the Carnegie Medal, Apache, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Booktrust Teenage Prize, The Goldsmith's Daughter, longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Sam Swann and Poppy Fields mystery series and the beautiful picture book Mary's Penny. Tanya lives in Bideford, Devon, with her husband and their two sons.
Industry Reviews
Exploring prejudice and the corruption of the ruling classes, this absolutely gripping stuff. It can only be good news that more readers will find Landman's books thanks to her Carnegie success. * The Bookseller *
A gripping historical novel for older children from a prize-winning author * Western Morning News *
Rich, exciting, intelligent historical fiction from a Carnegie-winning author. * Metro *
Heart-stoppingly good, romantic, passionate storytelling for a 12-plus audience. * New Statesman *
Landman won the Carnegie Medal for her previous book Buffalo Soldier and this year's historical novel is just as gripping. [...] Landman's research is impeccable. Perfect for fans of Poldark. * The Times *
"...I was reminded of another novel set in this part of the world, Jamaica Inn, as the young hero has to learn who can be trusted and who cannot. Not everyone is hostile, of course, and the darkness and danger are leavened by genuine good heartedness and true affection. And humour. Caleb's beloved father was a Punch and Judy man, and the Show tops and tails the novel, giving it a satisfying symmetry. That's the way to do it! * Armadillo Magazine *
The pace is terrific, the plot having more twists and turns than your average five-season box set. The chapters are short and each one ends with a cliffhanger, and there are several major revelations that I didn't see coming. It is clearly based on detailed research, and there's a great sense of a particular time and place being brought to life in all its grit and gruesomeness. With its combinations of strong characters, important themes and terrific writing, Hell and High Water is an excellent example of the very high standard of current YA fiction. * The Guardian *
From Carnegie Medal-winning Tanya Landman, a heart-stopping tale of a boy clearing his father's name. * The Bookseller *
This is a beautifully written, fast-paced novel. [...]It is brilliant in the portrayal of the period and the corruption and inequality that controlled everyday existence for many. In Caleb and Letty I discovered two engaging characters with whom I empathized and I was delighted with the ending of their story. I would definitely recommend the novel. * Historical Novel Society Review *
