Boy with Mussel Shell Eyes

Inspired by a real event.In July 1819, 18 year-old Kate travels from Halifax with her prosperous, mill-owning father to spend a two-week holiday on the Yorkshire coast.At first, she hates Filey for its squalor and fishy smells, but then she meets a young fisherboy with amazing eyes the colour of mussel shells.She writes home to her friend, Sarah, and describes daily events, conversations and her increasing obsession with the boy.The ensuing mismatched romance has an unexpected conclusion.

Joy Stonehouse's father came from Filey. As a child, Joy spent many summer days at the small resort, enjoying the wide bay with its firm sands, its cliffs and rock pools. She liked to have trips on the coble boats, sometimes to go fishing and, in later life, she married a man who built cobles. Joy thinks of the book, inspired by a real event in Filey, as a love letter to a place that still seems timeless. Joy now lives in Hornsea with her partner and continues to find inspiration from the area and her research into local history.