This is a fictional story written around a true event.
Two children three hundred years apart, but have a connection which spans the centuries.
In 1628 the young Mayken is boarding the Dutch East India’s vessel ‘ Batavia ‘ the pride of it’s fleet. The young girl’s mother has died and Mayken with her nursemaid are set to embark on a long sea voyage from Holland so that Mayken can live with her father, a wealthy merchant in the East Indies.
In 1989 the young boy Gil has been sent to Beacon Island ( a small island off the coast of Australia ) to live with his fishermen grandfather, following the death of his mother. The Batavia met her demise along the coast of the island and archaeologists are studying the wreck.
Both children are lonely, both find it hard to fit happily within the society they inhabit but they are resourceful. Both have a lively imagination.
Both children are fearful of an evil sea monster and they both come to realise that the real evil lies elsewhere.
In one magical moment the children are briefly brought together. The young girl who dresses as a cabin boy and the young boy who loves to dress up in silk and satin . Two halves of one soul.
A beautifully crafted novel.
Two children three hundred years apart, but have a connection which spans the centuries.
In 1628 the young Mayken is boarding the Dutch East India’s vessel ‘ Batavia ‘ the pride of it’s fleet. The young girl’s mother has died and Mayken with her nursemaid are set to embark on a long sea voyage from Holland so that Mayken can live with her father, a wealthy merchant in the East Indies.
In 1989 the young boy Gil has been sent to Beacon Island ( a small island off the coast of Australia ) to live with his fishermen grandfather, following the death of his mother. The Batavia met her demise along the coast of the island and archaeologists are studying the wreck.
Both children are lonely, both find it hard to fit happily within the society they inhabit but they are resourceful. Both have a lively imagination.
Both children are fearful of an evil sea monster and they both come to realise that the real evil lies elsewhere.
In one magical moment the children are briefly brought together. The young girl who dresses as a cabin boy and the young boy who loves to dress up in silk and satin . Two halves of one soul.
A beautifully crafted novel.