Elizabeth Hopkinson's Hidden Grove

                                       5th August is an important date for Gulliver's Travels fans.  It is the date on which Gulliver embarks on his third voyage, aboard the good ship Hopewell.   This journey will take him to the flying island of Laputa, the Academy of Lagado, Luggnagg (home of the Struldbrugs), the necromancer's island of Glubbdubdrib, and the only real-life place Gulliver ever visits: Japan. I made use of this in Silver Hands , having Margaret embark on the same ship on the same day in chapter four, "The Sailing of the Hopewell ".  The name of the ship, Captain William Robinson and any dates I mention are all straight from Swift.  He was having a laugh at the expense of travellers's tales (and making some satirical points about matters closer to home) but I tried to re-imagine the Hopewell as a real ship in the context of the times, a context of the ...

A ship's surgeon with a taste for adventure Born: Nottinghamshire, around 1670.  Presently around 37 years of age. Family: a wife and and several children. Occupation: ship's surgeon. Skills: is a skilled and modern physician, not just a simple surgeon.  Also has the ability to take charge of a ship, if needs be.  Skilled in languages, observational drawing, and the rigorous application of logic. Interests: Dr Lemuel is a man of science and learning, who keeps detailed records of his journeys and discoveries.  He collects curiosities, some of which are very unusual indeed!  There is an air of mystery about him and his voyages, which seem fated to take him in strange directions. An enigmatic figure, Dr Lemuel is nevertheless kind and fair, and very much respected by his fellow sailors.  He acts as a mentor figure towards Margaret when she is in need. Silver Hands - coming 26th April 2013 from Top Hat Books