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inspiretruth's review
4.0
An insightful, beautiful, tragic novel that will sweep you across the world!
During WWII, Arthur Hobhouse was separated from his sister and put on a ship bound for Australia when he was just eight years old. Afraid and alone, Arthur had to learn how to survive in harsh conditions, experiencing more of life than most people do in a lifetime. From working on a farm with an abusive owner, being adopted by a woman who lived among animals, to finding a passion for the wide wide sea, Arthur’s story stretches through the decades as we ride the waves with him and watch him become a father.
Sixty years later, after handing the baton to his daughter, Allie is determined to solve the mystery of her father’s beginning. Where did he come from? Who was Kitty? And, what did the key, his only possession attached to his childhood, unlock? Sailing around the world in search of answers, Allie will stop at nothing to fulfill her father’s dream of circumnavigating the globe and finding his sister!
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea is one of the most artistically written books I’ve ever read! Pulling me into the story from the first three sentences — “I should start at the beginning, I know that. But the trouble is that I don’t know the beginning. I wish I did.” — I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down. We all want to know who we are and where we come from, but the journey is arduous. Not shying away from reality, Michael Morpurgo exposes the heartbreaking truth many children endured during WWII after being shipped to the unforgivable outback; however, instead of dwelling on the nitty-gritty, he sparked a glimmer of hope through friendship and courage.
Combining two stories into one, I cannot rave about the author’s writing enough! The descriptions, narration, and set-up were flawless!! I couldn’t believe how much was fitted into this book, yet it was only 309 pages. Don’t you love it when books tell you everything you need to know without going into so much detail that it becomes tedious? Michael Morpurgo has not only mastered his craft but changed the name of the game! A person’s life consists of many adventures, lessons, experiences, and memories; yet, it’s in the core moments that an identity, story, and character are formed! Alone on a Wide Wide Sea will take you by surprise and lead you on many adventures that will feel as though you too have sailed around the world!
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paisleighwils's review against another edition
5.0
this books holds nostalgia for me and i go back to it constantly
yes perhaps the writing isnt the most amazing but the way morpurgo writes from the perspective of arthur and tells his emotions so fiercly is admirable and a gem on my shelf to be sure
yes perhaps the writing isnt the most amazing but the way morpurgo writes from the perspective of arthur and tells his emotions so fiercly is admirable and a gem on my shelf to be sure
lolo97's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
winwhenyoulose's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
marioncromb's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Simple and touching. There's a reason Michael Morpurgo is such a well-respected children's author
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Religious bigotry, Mental illness, Domestic abuse, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Grief, Death, Child abuse, Death of parent, Deportation, and Child death
Minor: Animal death and Racism
dayareadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Such a touching and amazing book, I read it when I was a little girl, and It has stayed in my memory for being a great book.
emmaura's review against another edition
4.0
One of the few children's book I re-read as an adult, and I'm so glad I did.
It is still a gripping and emotional tale about family and the separation thereof. The second part is, in my opinion, not as brilliant as the first but still tells a great story with a heartwarming ending.
It is still a gripping and emotional tale about family and the separation thereof. The second part is, in my opinion, not as brilliant as the first but still tells a great story with a heartwarming ending.
inkstainedthumb's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely beautiful book! Very moving! I could barely put it down. It was like I was journeying through the lives of the characters with them!
jistyping's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
alya_books's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful book set in WW2 that is certain to be a wonderful read for not only kids but adults as well. I simply adored the story.