Thank you to Canongate Books and Readers First for the opportunity to read and review this dual timeline historical fiction novel. This is the first time I’ve read a book written by Jess Kidd.
As the synopsis states, part of the story is based on young Mayken, who finds herself travelling on the Batavia in 1628 to live with her father, 7 months sailing time away from the home she shared with her late mother.
We also meet Gil, who in 1989, finds himself living with his grandfather on an island off the coast of Australia, said to be haunted by the ghost of a child from the Batavia, after the sudden death of his mother.
This beautifully written book weaves both elements of the story together, as Mayken and Gil explore their new ‘homes’, and start to learn more about themselves and their new companions. I hadn’t heard of the Batavia before, but Jess Kidd brought the sights, sounds and smells of the ship to life.
This is a dark story in places, full of violence and corruption, but also uplifting as some people try to help Mayken and Gil, despite the risks to themselves. There are also moments of humour throughout too. I found myself desperately wanting to know what happened next, as the suspense in both parts of the story increased.
Happy to recommend this book. I now need to read more of Jess Kidd’s books – do you have one you wish to recommend?
As the synopsis states, part of the story is based on young Mayken, who finds herself travelling on the Batavia in 1628 to live with her father, 7 months sailing time away from the home she shared with her late mother.
We also meet Gil, who in 1989, finds himself living with his grandfather on an island off the coast of Australia, said to be haunted by the ghost of a child from the Batavia, after the sudden death of his mother.
This beautifully written book weaves both elements of the story together, as Mayken and Gil explore their new ‘homes’, and start to learn more about themselves and their new companions. I hadn’t heard of the Batavia before, but Jess Kidd brought the sights, sounds and smells of the ship to life.
This is a dark story in places, full of violence and corruption, but also uplifting as some people try to help Mayken and Gil, despite the risks to themselves. There are also moments of humour throughout too. I found myself desperately wanting to know what happened next, as the suspense in both parts of the story increased.
Happy to recommend this book. I now need to read more of Jess Kidd’s books – do you have one you wish to recommend?