Omrod Smyth: A Cod Fisherman from Bristol Town, 1579 - 1634

In the early 15th Century, cod fishermen began their annual expeditions from Bristol Town to New Founde Land. They sailed in vessels that carried thirty to forty fishermen, with departure in late spring and return on the four-week journey in early Autumn. Pirates and violent storms intercepted ships going either way. Upon arriving at the coast of New Founde Land, the fishermen spent nearly a month building their own shelters, storage sheds for the cod, and a fleet of small fishing dories. Each and every year required the construction of boats before the first cod was caught. The cod fishing grounds were clogged with ice flows and struck by frequent storms. Red savages killed those who wandered alone, and they burned the English boats and buildings when they were abandoned at the end of the fishing season. The characters are vivid and believable. The descriptions of life are convincing. OMROD SMYTH is an exciting addition to the Sojourner Series.