Victor Canning Libri

Set in the fictional town of Wearemouth, the story follows five children who, during a walk to the cinema, make a wish at the Wooden Angel, a unique landmark crafted from a ship's figurehead. The narrative then unfolds as it tracks their lives and careers, exploring how their childhood wishes manifest over time. Themes of hope, ambition, and the passage of time are central as readers witness the characters' journeys and the impact of their youthful dreams on their futures.

Adventure follows an ex-priest recently released from prison, Nelo, as he navigates a chaotic world filled with diamonds, counts, criminals, and romantic escapades. His disreputable friends remind him that "the great affair is to move," and he embraces this philosophy fully.

Exploring the depths of empathy and identity, the narrative delves into the transformative experience of stepping into someone else's life. It challenges the boundaries of understanding and connection, prompting readers to consider the lengths one might go to truly comprehend another's struggles and triumphs. Through vivid character portrayals and emotional journeys, the story invites reflection on the nature of compassion and the intricate web of human relationships.

In this series of pen-portraits of England in the 1930's, Victor Canning vividly captures the pattern and colour of the great fabric of English life from Cumberland to Cornwall from a bygone era.

Exploring themes of family bonds and personal growth, this narrative delves into the journey of self-discovery. The characters navigate their relationships and challenges, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their loved ones. Through poignant moments and transformative experiences, the story celebrates resilience and the importance of connection in shaping one's identity.

Behind the doors of Fountain Inn lies a web of secrets and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. The story delves into the lives of the inn's guests and staff, revealing hidden connections, unexpected alliances, and long-buried truths. As tensions rise and relationships evolve, the inn becomes a focal point for intrigue and drama, challenging characters to confront their pasts and the choices that shape their futures. This exploration of human nature and the complexities of life unfolds within the inn's enigmatic walls.

Mr Edgar Finchley, unmarried solicitor's clerk, aged 45, is told to take a holiday for the first time in his life. He decides to go to Margate. But Fate has other plans in store... This gentle comedy trilogy was a runaway bestseller on first publication in the 1930s and retains a timeless appeal today.

Mr Finchley takes a fancy to a horse-drawn caravan that he sees for sale, and sets out to explore the countryside and go house-hunting. While learning to handle the horse and the caravan, he encounters a variety of eccentrics and country characters, and several unsuitable houses. It gradually emerges that the caravan contains a secret, and Mr Finchley finds himself in real trouble.

An Elementary Level story in a series of ELT readers comprising a wide range of titles and divided into five levels: Starter Level, with about 300 basic words; Beginner (600); Elementary (1100); Intermediate (1600); and Upper (2200). Some of the titles are also available on cassette.

This is a split-level story with two people kidnapping prominent officials, while at the same time, an elderly woman is trying to bring the missing elements of her family together before she dies. There seems no connection, but, as a lovable and charismatic psychic and her jack-of-all-trades partner seek the whereabouts of a man who disappeared years ago, the suspense mounts and culminates in violence, with the author delivering an unexpected aftershock in the final pages.