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katykelly's review
5.0
I'm running out of ways of describing Morpurgo's books this year! Read quite a few, each one moving and impossible to put down.
This is a fascinating story from the times we sent children over to Australia, for being born out of wedlock, for having no parents, by themselves to a new country. Arthur is one such orphan in 1947, separated from sister Kitty, left only with her 'lucky key' as he travels across the ocean. He tells this story looking back decades later at the terrible years brutalised and enslaved to 'Piggy Bacon', a farmer who exploits boys like him. His story has happier moments with friends and a family he makes for himself, and periods of great sadness. And just when you think Arthur's story is coming to an end... there's a surprise in store and a whole other story to be told. I smiled through my tears as the second part of the book began, and it beautifully finished Arthur's tale with another one of adventure and bravery.
Morpurgo keeps his storytelling style simple, that may be key to his success - he tells his stories simply but well. Never trying to make his readers laugh or to engage them with jokes, he uses his stories to hook us, young and old. Based on truth, as always, they grip you because you know they are real.
This was particularly moving for me, many times over. The title (and elements of the plot) are based on The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which I really should go and read now, as I feel I've read half of it through Arthur.
If you're happy for Morpurgo to make you sob (again) with an enchanting story of family, hope, love and bravery, you'll want to read this. Children aged 8 and above will be ready to try it, and it would be another excellent classroom read.
I read the audio version, and it was superbly read by an Australian narrator who made Arthur's emotions come alive.
This is a fascinating story from the times we sent children over to Australia, for being born out of wedlock, for having no parents, by themselves to a new country. Arthur is one such orphan in 1947, separated from sister Kitty, left only with her 'lucky key' as he travels across the ocean. He tells this story looking back decades later at the terrible years brutalised and enslaved to 'Piggy Bacon', a farmer who exploits boys like him. His story has happier moments with friends and a family he makes for himself, and periods of great sadness. And just when you think Arthur's story is coming to an end... there's a surprise in store and a whole other story to be told. I smiled through my tears as the second part of the book began, and it beautifully finished Arthur's tale with another one of adventure and bravery.
Morpurgo keeps his storytelling style simple, that may be key to his success - he tells his stories simply but well. Never trying to make his readers laugh or to engage them with jokes, he uses his stories to hook us, young and old. Based on truth, as always, they grip you because you know they are real.
This was particularly moving for me, many times over. The title (and elements of the plot) are based on The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which I really should go and read now, as I feel I've read half of it through Arthur.
If you're happy for Morpurgo to make you sob (again) with an enchanting story of family, hope, love and bravery, you'll want to read this. Children aged 8 and above will be ready to try it, and it would be another excellent classroom read.
I read the audio version, and it was superbly read by an Australian narrator who made Arthur's emotions come alive.
mythsandlegends28's review
5.0
This might possibly be one of the best books I’ve read. I’ve always been a fan of this author, receiving most of his books as Christmas/birthday presents even now at 28. I came across it this year and read it again, it’s beautifully written and encourages a sense of wanderlust. I’ve always found it to be a very impressive book that gives a very vivid world building experience through imagination and encourages me to remember my own memories of travelling etc. it’s such a wonderful book. A must for anyone!
inspiretruth's review against another edition
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
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
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
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
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.