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jansreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
3.75
Recommended by Ann Patchett as a backlist find: If you haven’t read it, it is new to you! This novel from 1929 has some twists. Intriguing, strange depiction of children on a pirate ship here.
stacialithub's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. An odd & fairly riveting mix of innocence & fun amid the macabre & inhumane. It's also a fascinating study of being civilized vs. uncivilized (in respect to children vs. adults, 'civilized' folks vs. pirates, etc...), moral vs. amoral, & thoughts/perceptions vs. reality. It can be read as an entertaining tale or as something deeper with plenty to chew on.... Definitely not a kids' tale, rather a tale of kids & pirates for adults.
bigbizliz1991's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bobbo49's review against another edition
4.0
A beautifully written tale from the 1920s: British children living in Jamaica survive a destructive hurricane, only to be sent back to England on a ship that is attacked and captured by pirates. Some wonderful insights into the world seen through the eyes of children; as in this time of pandemic, very young children don't know any other reality, and are quick to settle into their new world. A worthwhile adventurous read for both adults and teens.
skyelavigne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
gilljames's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Is this really a book for children? Certainly Robert Hughes captures the points of view of the young main characters but he doesn't really seem to be talking to another child. There is quite a bit of violence and possibly some inappropriate sexual advances. I'm not fond of trigger warnings but I feel bound to make the comments above. Despite these concerns, I did enjoy the story which put me very much in mind of the Lemony Snicket books. So, they weren't so new after all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Sexual assault and Child abuse
thirdcoast's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. It's an interesting perspective of childhood and what it means to be a child amidst uncertain, perhaps even traumatizing times.
angie_ranck's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
whitneyborup's review against another edition
5.0
Will easily become one of my favorite books. Dark, funny, disturbing, and insightful. Children are monsters, I tell you. I've been telling you for years.
caterina_1212's review against another edition
The old-fashioned language was more troublesome than the dialect parts, I couldn't get through the language. The introduction should've been a hint, but I gave up after 1 chapter.