This is, quite simply, a wonderful book. It is so well written that it flows smoothly, swiftly and powerfully. The plots and subplots intermingle seamlessly. The principal characters are two young children, a boy and a girl, and they receive some harsh treatment at the hands of cruel and uncaring adults, which is typical of the worst side of human natures. This is woven very well into the story - even a main part of the story.
The chapters alternate between 1628 and 1989. From a purely personal viewpoint, I am not a fan of "then and now" type chapters, but Jess Kid has very skilfully managed this, even the style of the writing changes. It is very crafty how the two different stories, one of the young girl on the mighty sailing ship "Batavia" crossing from the Netherlands to the Dutch East Indies, and the young boy sent to a desolate island off Australia, gradually converge.
Jess has carried out meticulous historical research in both the Netherlands and Australia, and this shows through as total credibility. She has actually been to the places that feature in the book, including the awful island that is just a heap of inhospitable shingle, where the "Batavia" foundered. This detailed research gives such authenticity to the story that you could believe it was a real record written at the time (or at the two times!)
Jess Kid says "This became the most frightening,thrilling and poignant story I have ever written". I can see why.
A masterpiece of storytelling.
The chapters alternate between 1628 and 1989. From a purely personal viewpoint, I am not a fan of "then and now" type chapters, but Jess Kid has very skilfully managed this, even the style of the writing changes. It is very crafty how the two different stories, one of the young girl on the mighty sailing ship "Batavia" crossing from the Netherlands to the Dutch East Indies, and the young boy sent to a desolate island off Australia, gradually converge.
Jess has carried out meticulous historical research in both the Netherlands and Australia, and this shows through as total credibility. She has actually been to the places that feature in the book, including the awful island that is just a heap of inhospitable shingle, where the "Batavia" foundered. This detailed research gives such authenticity to the story that you could believe it was a real record written at the time (or at the two times!)
Jess Kid says "This became the most frightening,thrilling and poignant story I have ever written". I can see why.
A masterpiece of storytelling.