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The Private Misadventures of Nell Nobody
Short-listed -- 2022 CIBA Goethe Award for Historical Fiction
Long Listed -- 2022 Page Turner Awards Book Award
Who do you become when you can no longer be yourself?
1793: France and Britain are at war. Traumatised and grieving the loss of her infant son, Eleanor Buccleuch leaves behind her previous life, dons waistcoat and breeches, and becomes Ned Buckley.
Ned enlists in the British army and vanishes amongst the soldiers of the 69th Regiment of Foot. Sent to the Mediterranean, Ned is pulled out of his squad and assigned to work with a zealous Royal Navy captain named Horatio Nelson, who is goading the army to besiege the Corsican town of Bastia.
Ned becomes a participant in momentous events of victory and defeat, forming an unlikely friendship with the man who will one day become Britain’s greatest naval hero. But even as he witnesses Nelson’s trajectory towards immortality, Ned’s past is stalking him, threatening him with a downward slide into discovery, ignominy, and the prospect of his own destruction.
May not be appropriate for readers under the age of sixteen.
_________________________________
Victory rides the chop out beyond sight of the shore. Two frigates, Meleager and Lowestoff , and 64-gun Agamemnon sit in attendance, within easy distance of each other.
The sea-state makes the leap for the boarding ladder more precarious than usual. My Ferguson in its sling whacks me sharply as I mount the ladder and clamber up the side.
On board, I hand Nelson’s other letter to the officer of the watch and stand at attention while he reads it. He tells me to wait as he goes below.
An older marine whom I recognise from Gibraltar gives me a brief nod. He outranks me. Everyone outranks me. I nod stiffly in return. All around me, the business of maintaining a one-hundred-gun ship of the line goes on, as I stand there without any business to keep me from feeling foolish.
After an eternity, the lieutenant returns and bids me follow him down the companionway to the upper gun deck and into the stern of the ship. The marine at the door of the admiral’s cabin stands stiffly at attention as I’m admitted to the cabin, then the door shuts behind me and I am standing alone in front of Admiral Lord Hood.
I never expected to be face to face with him. His craggy, hook-nosed features make Colonel Moore’s disgruntled expression look benign. He looks up from the letter I carefully transcribed this morning and snaps, ‘More powder. More shot. What the devil do they think this is, an armoury?’
I know I’m not supposed to answer this, so I stay silent.
‘Who are you, anyway? Why is Nelson sending me some ratty little soldier instead of coming himself?’
Ratty little soldier. I try not to let this shot rattle me. But I’m thankful that Captain Nelson made me wash my face and tidy my hair before coming here.
‘My name is Buckley, my Lord. I was assigned to act as Captain Nelson’s liaison to the army. He intended to come himself, but he is unwell today.’
‘Thinks he’s the only one who’s unwell?’ Lord Hood growls.
‘Nosir. I don’t believe he does.’
‘Why does Captain Nelson need a liaison to the army?’
I think I can be candid here. ‘I believe it was because Colonel Moore and General D’Aubant didn’t want to deal with the captain directly, my Lord.’
Hood stares at me, then mutters, ‘Sounds about right.’ He tosses Nelson’s letter on his desk. ‘You speak well, boy. I presume this is your penmanship, as well?’ He gestures at the discarded letter.
‘Yessir.’
‘Yes, my Lord, ’ Hood corrects me.
‘Yes, my Lord,’ I repeat stoically.
‘Nelson thinks that this General Stuart is more cooperative than that fool D’Aubant.’
If he’s trying to get a rise out of me, it isn’t going to work. I know General D’Aubant is a fool.
Long Listed -- 2022 Page Turner Awards Book Award
Who do you become when you can no longer be yourself?
1793: France and Britain are at war. Traumatised and grieving the loss of her infant son, Eleanor Buccleuch leaves behind her previous life, dons waistcoat and breeches, and becomes Ned Buckley.
Ned enlists in the British army and vanishes amongst the soldiers of the 69th Regiment of Foot. Sent to the Mediterranean, Ned is pulled out of his squad and assigned to work with a zealous Royal Navy captain named Horatio Nelson, who is goading the army to besiege the Corsican town of Bastia.
Ned becomes a participant in momentous events of victory and defeat, forming an unlikely friendship with the man who will one day become Britain’s greatest naval hero. But even as he witnesses Nelson’s trajectory towards immortality, Ned’s past is stalking him, threatening him with a downward slide into discovery, ignominy, and the prospect of his own destruction.
May not be appropriate for readers under the age of sixteen.
_________________________________
Victory rides the chop out beyond sight of the shore. Two frigates, Meleager and Lowestoff , and 64-gun Agamemnon sit in attendance, within easy distance of each other.
The sea-state makes the leap for the boarding ladder more precarious than usual. My Ferguson in its sling whacks me sharply as I mount the ladder and clamber up the side.
On board, I hand Nelson’s other letter to the officer of the watch and stand at attention while he reads it. He tells me to wait as he goes below.
An older marine whom I recognise from Gibraltar gives me a brief nod. He outranks me. Everyone outranks me. I nod stiffly in return. All around me, the business of maintaining a one-hundred-gun ship of the line goes on, as I stand there without any business to keep me from feeling foolish.
After an eternity, the lieutenant returns and bids me follow him down the companionway to the upper gun deck and into the stern of the ship. The marine at the door of the admiral’s cabin stands stiffly at attention as I’m admitted to the cabin, then the door shuts behind me and I am standing alone in front of Admiral Lord Hood.
I never expected to be face to face with him. His craggy, hook-nosed features make Colonel Moore’s disgruntled expression look benign. He looks up from the letter I carefully transcribed this morning and snaps, ‘More powder. More shot. What the devil do they think this is, an armoury?’
I know I’m not supposed to answer this, so I stay silent.
‘Who are you, anyway? Why is Nelson sending me some ratty little soldier instead of coming himself?’
Ratty little soldier. I try not to let this shot rattle me. But I’m thankful that Captain Nelson made me wash my face and tidy my hair before coming here.
‘My name is Buckley, my Lord. I was assigned to act as Captain Nelson’s liaison to the army. He intended to come himself, but he is unwell today.’
‘Thinks he’s the only one who’s unwell?’ Lord Hood growls.
‘Nosir. I don’t believe he does.’
‘Why does Captain Nelson need a liaison to the army?’
I think I can be candid here. ‘I believe it was because Colonel Moore and General D’Aubant didn’t want to deal with the captain directly, my Lord.’
Hood stares at me, then mutters, ‘Sounds about right.’ He tosses Nelson’s letter on his desk. ‘You speak well, boy. I presume this is your penmanship, as well?’ He gestures at the discarded letter.
‘Yessir.’
‘Yes, my Lord, ’ Hood corrects me.
‘Yes, my Lord,’ I repeat stoically.
‘Nelson thinks that this General Stuart is more cooperative than that fool D’Aubant.’
If he’s trying to get a rise out of me, it isn’t going to work. I know General D’Aubant is a fool.
426 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 22, 2023
Abused by her husband, Eleanor Buccleuch flees her home, becomes Edmund “Ned” Buckley, and joins the Royal Army as a rifleman in the 69th Regiment of Foot in 1794. (Growing up with her brother, she acquired skills and habits a lady would never possess.) The only way she vows to return to England is in a coffin.
On Corsica, the army must work with the navy to carry out a successful siege of St. Fiorenzo. Since this is a joint operation, a liaison must carry dispatches between the two branches of the military. Ned is selected to work with Captain Horatio Nelson of HMS Agamemnon. He is a man of action, so he’s frequently ashore and involving himself in army affairs even though the army isn’t keen on open lines of communication. As a result, Nelson relies on Ned to keep him informed and makes him privy to the daily problems and situations he faces. The more interaction between the two, the more Ned grows to admire Nelson because he cares for his men and his country.
Ned’s invaluable service leads to his being transferred to Agamemnon. His duties are split between being the captain’s scribe and helping the marines during enemy engagements. When a new marine commander comes aboard, he singles out Ned, making life intolerable. Eventually, his intent becomes clear. Ned’s handling of the situation leads to charges that may end in a court martial and hanging. It is up to Nelson to figure out who tells the truth.
If that is not enough trouble, Richard Buccleuch still hunts for his missing wife. Nelson’s health suffers and caring for him resurrects long-buried, but unwanted, feelings in Ned. During a period of two years, he follows Nelson as the captain transfers to other ships and is eventually promoted to Rear-Admiral of the Blue. Then fever sweeps through the ship, paying no heed to one’s rank or the secrets one keeps.
The Private Misadventures of Nell Nobody is a compelling, well-researched tale that brings Horatio Nelson to life. This three-dimensional portrayal allows readers to see Nelson as a person with foibles and virtues. The what-ifs and emotional arcs propelling the story forward are plausible and believable. Newbold ably transports readers to the past and gives them a you-are-there experience as Ned lives and works with his fellow riflemen during the siege, as well as learning to adapt to life at sea. Newbold also provides good contrasts between army and navy life, as well as a glossary for those unfamiliar with nautical and military terms.
Aside from the siege and the evacuation of Leghorn, there are several gripping sea engagements with French ships. The story ends two months before the Battle of Aboukir Bay in 1798. A short epilogue shows reactions on Gibraltar, where Ned eventually ends up, following the news of Nelson’s death at Trafalgar. Aside from being a good introduction to Nelson and the Royal Navy, it is also an untraditional love story. Readers who seek to read a story set during the French Revolution without the nautical terminology and details, will enjoy this telling of a time when Nelson is on the crest of taking center stage. Those who read any of the series set during the days of the revolution or Napoleon’s conquests will also enjoy this memorable story.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates & Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Newbold.html)
On Corsica, the army must work with the navy to carry out a successful siege of St. Fiorenzo. Since this is a joint operation, a liaison must carry dispatches between the two branches of the military. Ned is selected to work with Captain Horatio Nelson of HMS Agamemnon. He is a man of action, so he’s frequently ashore and involving himself in army affairs even though the army isn’t keen on open lines of communication. As a result, Nelson relies on Ned to keep him informed and makes him privy to the daily problems and situations he faces. The more interaction between the two, the more Ned grows to admire Nelson because he cares for his men and his country.
Ned’s invaluable service leads to his being transferred to Agamemnon. His duties are split between being the captain’s scribe and helping the marines during enemy engagements. When a new marine commander comes aboard, he singles out Ned, making life intolerable. Eventually, his intent becomes clear. Ned’s handling of the situation leads to charges that may end in a court martial and hanging. It is up to Nelson to figure out who tells the truth.
If that is not enough trouble, Richard Buccleuch still hunts for his missing wife. Nelson’s health suffers and caring for him resurrects long-buried, but unwanted, feelings in Ned. During a period of two years, he follows Nelson as the captain transfers to other ships and is eventually promoted to Rear-Admiral of the Blue. Then fever sweeps through the ship, paying no heed to one’s rank or the secrets one keeps.
The Private Misadventures of Nell Nobody is a compelling, well-researched tale that brings Horatio Nelson to life. This three-dimensional portrayal allows readers to see Nelson as a person with foibles and virtues. The what-ifs and emotional arcs propelling the story forward are plausible and believable. Newbold ably transports readers to the past and gives them a you-are-there experience as Ned lives and works with his fellow riflemen during the siege, as well as learning to adapt to life at sea. Newbold also provides good contrasts between army and navy life, as well as a glossary for those unfamiliar with nautical and military terms.
Aside from the siege and the evacuation of Leghorn, there are several gripping sea engagements with French ships. The story ends two months before the Battle of Aboukir Bay in 1798. A short epilogue shows reactions on Gibraltar, where Ned eventually ends up, following the news of Nelson’s death at Trafalgar. Aside from being a good introduction to Nelson and the Royal Navy, it is also an untraditional love story. Readers who seek to read a story set during the French Revolution without the nautical terminology and details, will enjoy this telling of a time when Nelson is on the crest of taking center stage. Those who read any of the series set during the days of the revolution or Napoleon’s conquests will also enjoy this memorable story.
(This review originally appeared at Pirates & Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Newbold.html)
September 19, 2024
I only started reading The Misadventures of Nell Nobody a few days ago, so I'm only a few chapters in... but what a fascinating few chapters they're turning out to be! I took to Nell (Ned) straight away, even though the book is present tense which I'm not usually too keen on, because I find this style is like I'm being talked at - told, not shown what is happening - but in this case Ms Newbold has mastered the technique, and easily takes you into the lead character's narrative. Nell/Ned's voice is so clear I feel like I'm there, watching and listening as she/he is moving and doing. So, well written, intriguing and so far, very entertaining as a good read.
The research in all aspects seems to be spot on, the characterisation well done and the action compellingly real. I've read several seafaring books where the lead female character is disguised as a young man, and while some of them are good reads they are all a bit 'samey' and predictable. Nell/Ned is different, I think because her/his character is immediately believable. (There were a lot more women serving in the British Navy and army at the time of Nelson and during the Napoleonic War than we give credit for.)
I confess I am not a huge Horatio Nelson fan, but I'm liking Ms Newbold's portrait of him as a younger sea captain before his HMS Victory fame; the way she subtly draws his obvious gifted talent for knowing what to do and when to do it, his mastery of how to sail a ship to full proficiency - and thereby creating the legend that is Nelson - is well done.
Nell/Ned gradually reveals her/his background story as the story progresses, I'm looking forward to discovering more about this interesting character. My first impression? Nell/Ned could easily be a female version and rival to Richard Sharpe, written by Bernard Cornwell.
So far, thoroughly enjoyable...I think even though I have a lot more to read yet I'll give this one 5 stars.
The research in all aspects seems to be spot on, the characterisation well done and the action compellingly real. I've read several seafaring books where the lead female character is disguised as a young man, and while some of them are good reads they are all a bit 'samey' and predictable. Nell/Ned is different, I think because her/his character is immediately believable. (There were a lot more women serving in the British Navy and army at the time of Nelson and during the Napoleonic War than we give credit for.)
I confess I am not a huge Horatio Nelson fan, but I'm liking Ms Newbold's portrait of him as a younger sea captain before his HMS Victory fame; the way she subtly draws his obvious gifted talent for knowing what to do and when to do it, his mastery of how to sail a ship to full proficiency - and thereby creating the legend that is Nelson - is well done.
Nell/Ned gradually reveals her/his background story as the story progresses, I'm looking forward to discovering more about this interesting character. My first impression? Nell/Ned could easily be a female version and rival to Richard Sharpe, written by Bernard Cornwell.
So far, thoroughly enjoyable...I think even though I have a lot more to read yet I'll give this one 5 stars.
September 22, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Ned, a young lad in 1794 fighting for the British Army in the Mediterranean. Except Ned is really Nell, a woman escaping her past. When Ned is appointed to help Captain Horatio Nelson as a messenger then a clerk, they develop a touching relationship.
Life aboard a naval ship in the late 18th century was well portrayed. I never before thought how these vessels would fight. They had to sail as near to the enemy as they could and discharge their cannons at each other. It’s all rather brutal, but the book isn’t too descriptive. Period details were well done, and I got a feel for life at sea. I particularly liked the descriptions of medical conditions and their treatments.
Ned/Nell was a sympathetic, determined character. I was convinced by her and her ability to live as a man. I liked the way her back story was slowly revealed and the tension as her past is always chasing her. Nelson comes across as an interesting character. The author read all his letters to get a feel for his voice and character.
The book is well written and I wanted to read on. There was action in the sea battles, but also more gentle exploration of the characters and their relationships. I learned about cannons, guns and battle tactics but I wasn’t at all bored. The book has been nominated for awards and I see why. Well worth a read
Life aboard a naval ship in the late 18th century was well portrayed. I never before thought how these vessels would fight. They had to sail as near to the enemy as they could and discharge their cannons at each other. It’s all rather brutal, but the book isn’t too descriptive. Period details were well done, and I got a feel for life at sea. I particularly liked the descriptions of medical conditions and their treatments.
Ned/Nell was a sympathetic, determined character. I was convinced by her and her ability to live as a man. I liked the way her back story was slowly revealed and the tension as her past is always chasing her. Nelson comes across as an interesting character. The author read all his letters to get a feel for his voice and character.
The book is well written and I wanted to read on. There was action in the sea battles, but also more gentle exploration of the characters and their relationships. I learned about cannons, guns and battle tactics but I wasn’t at all bored. The book has been nominated for awards and I see why. Well worth a read
August 22, 2024
The sensitive, uplifting and finely wrought portrayal stayed with me, long after I finished the book. In language by turns raw as a fresh wound and achingly beautiful in its description, I shared in Nell`s experience of living a lie among men in the military in the late 1700s, under the mesmerizing helm of Horatio Nelson. There is nothing I would wish the author to change – it was simply magnificent, and I encourage anyone to read it, regardless if an enthusiast of nautical history, or not.
Trigger warnings: spousal rape, stillborn infant death, multiple miscarriages.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: spousal rape, stillborn infant death, multiple miscarriages.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
October 14, 2023
Wow, this was so good. In the late 1700s, A woman runs away from her abusive husband. She is now Ned instead of Nell, a solider who fights on land then ship. The relationships she develops through her journey (esp Nelson) and eventually a one eyed cat, the battles, the deaths of her comrades, the illness she sees on the ship, and an asshole on the ship who terrorizes her… you will love this book, she is a fighter like no other emotionally and physically.
May 24, 2026
Hearts of Oak!
Well researched and well written. I intend to get a hard copy of this book to add to my collection on Lord Nelson.
Well researched and well written. I intend to get a hard copy of this book to add to my collection on Lord Nelson.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews