This is a great read. We encounter a family in the nineteenth century who are always on the move - adventurers, even the smallest children. The father is an autocrat, but a strong and capable man, able to lead and inspire his growing family even in the toughest circumstances. Added to the plot is a group of 'saved' Islanders, who have been converted by missionaries.
The book alternates between narration in the first person - from the point of the view of one of the Islanders - and third person narration about the actions and thoughts of Lizzie, one of the older children. This, for me, is an interesting and effective way to highlight the similarities and differences in expectation and experience of the two groups.
The story is part mystery and part psychological study, part history lesson and part love story. An unusual read, but I really enjoyed it.
The book alternates between narration in the first person - from the point of the view of one of the Islanders - and third person narration about the actions and thoughts of Lizzie, one of the older children. This, for me, is an interesting and effective way to highlight the similarities and differences in expectation and experience of the two groups.
The story is part mystery and part psychological study, part history lesson and part love story. An unusual read, but I really enjoyed it.