Bricks, Brothers, and A Breakaway: A Pre-quell to Runaway At Sea

By Margreit Maitland

Twelve-year-old Robert has a large family and an even larger problem; two brothers he loves and one he hates. All of them are obligated to keep the family's brick-making business going. When one favorite brother leaves, it sets Robert on a path he never expected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maitland Writing
• Release date: Dec 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9798987701669

Margreit Maitland

Writing has always been a dream, floating in the back of Margreit's mind for as long as she can remember. A love for literature was instilled in her by her mother and her family in general from an early age. While growing up, she read a wide range of books from the classics to something quick and fun, and adored getting lost in a story. When her grandfather Frost gave her the journal about Robert's trek across the world, it captured her imagination, and bringing his story of joy, heartbreak, and courage to life became a passion. She is proud to present this series as her debut to the writing world.Since the publication of the first two novels in the series, Margreit has launched a Creative Writing Workshop for children aged 10 and up for schools and libraries and is enjoying an opportunity to help students discover their potential and original ideas. In addition, she created an online Creative Writing Bootcamp which is available for all writers and aspiring writers age 17 and up. Sharing what she has learned about writing and helping others tap into their imaginations in creating stories is a happy accident. Margreit is an enthusiastic supporter of literature, education, science, wildlife, and nature. The source of which lies in being encouraged (at a very young age) to muck around in the mud searching for hermit crabs and other tiny or large inhabitants of the natural world. She enjoys living on Long Island, where she is happily surrounded by beaches and with her two children and cat. In her spare time, she can be found staying active and outside whenever possible and with her treasured family and friends. In the future, she looks forward to sharing many more stories.

Book preview

Bricks, Brothers and a Breakaway

H ow could John walk off and disappear? He has to come back. Just has to. Robert kicked a rock and sent it tumbling down the path.

He walked up the hill and sat at the top scanning the wide-open landscape for his older brother. He played the scene from the day before over and over in his mind. They had been at the Brick Works, mixing clay in the big pit behind the barn for another batch of bricks. John had suddenly climbed out of the hole, shook off the muddy slop from his trousers, chucked his shovel and walked off without saying a word. Nothing. 

It was nearly dark. As soon as the sun sets, mum will call for him to come inside. All Robert wanted was to ask John what happened. It can’t be that he just left and will never come back. 

Come on John! Where are you? Robert asked the wind.

The minutes passed one by one, and even though the grandfather clock was far from earshot, Robert could hear it ticking the time away. The sun was getting lower and lower, just about touching the edge of the field. Then he heard it, the distinct voice of his slightly older sister.

Robert! Mum says to come in now! Ann bellowed to him from the door.

Bloody hell, Robert exclaimed under his breath.

He looked across the field one last time hoping to see his brother’s tall, lanky frame, but there were only a darkening sky and a wide expanse of grass.

Mum says now!

I’m coming straight-away. 

He dragged his feet down the hill, impeding his own progress. The scent of freshly burned wood filled the air. Even though it was dark, and he couldn’t see the cloud of smoke, he knew it came from their kitchen chimney. It reminded him that supper was simmering in the big black pot and by the time he turned the knob of the front door, his stomach was grumbling. 

When Robert walked in, he was nearly knocked down by his youngest brother Ebenezer who ran