Night ship is based on the true story of the Batavia, a famous ship that went down on the west coast of Australia in 1629. The novel is split between two time periods; 1629 and 1989, which aids in creating suspense. Each chapter flicks between the two time periods. The author finishes each chapter with a cliff hanger and thus you need to finish the chapter based on the other time period before you find out what happens in the next part. This also aids in the reading seeing similarities in various characters from each time period.
The first story, set in 1629 is based on a young Dutch girl called Mayken, who romans the ship looking for a mythical beast. The second story focuses on Gil a young boy stuck on the island with his Grampa. Gil becomes interested in the story of the shipwreck, as all the locals seem to be enthralled by the legend of the shipwreck. The characters well constructed and convincing.
As it is based on a true story, what I would have liked to have seen is a maps of the area, including where the shipwreck was found and where the main island is.
Overall, a really enjoyable read.
The first story, set in 1629 is based on a young Dutch girl called Mayken, who romans the ship looking for a mythical beast. The second story focuses on Gil a young boy stuck on the island with his Grampa. Gil becomes interested in the story of the shipwreck, as all the locals seem to be enthralled by the legend of the shipwreck. The characters well constructed and convincing.
As it is based on a true story, what I would have liked to have seen is a maps of the area, including where the shipwreck was found and where the main island is.
Overall, a really enjoyable read.