Voyage of the Sparrowhawk
Winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2020
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- £4.49
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- £4.49
Publisher Description
WINNER - COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
THE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR
The second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.
In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti's horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiancé . . .
Just as they think they've found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan - to cross the Channel on Ben's narrowboat and find Sam. And there's something in France that Lotti is looking for, too . . .
Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home.
'One of the most compelling, joyous, tearjerking and delightful reads of the year.' The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week
'Empowering, rollicking, wistful and joyful.' Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks' War
'Magnificent odyssey . . . a rich and rewarding read . . . it deserves prizes.' New Statesman
'A wonderful adventure.' Piers Torday, author of The Frozen Sea
'Fast-paced and fascinating.' BookTrust
'Compelling.'The Scotsman
'Wonderful.'The Week Junior
'Impossible to put down.'LoveReading4Kids
'Exciting adventure.'Just Imagine
'Highly recommended.'Books for Keeps
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In 1919, post-WWI, two cued-white English children struggle to find family and peace. Twelve-year-old Ben's adoptive father died eight months earlier in a hospital bombing in France while visiting Ben's older brother Sam, a wounded soldier who goes missing soon after their father's death. Newly back from boarding school, Lotti, also 12, feels alone in her own home, emotionally abused and neglected by her guardians. When Ben and Lotti meet, they swiftly become friends, and when circumstances turn sour, the two set forth for France aboard Ben's narrowboat, the Sparrowhawk, in search of Sam. Pursued by a resourceful policeman, they must enlist the help of unlikely allies in order to survive the near-impossible trip across the English Channel, braving dangerous waters and sudden storms. Employing a quiet voice reminiscent of classics with a hint of humor ("And a terrible thing happened, but... If they had stayed, there would be no story"), Farrant (Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror) pits resilient protagonists against numerous obstacles and setbacks, balancing loss and grief with joy and optimism in a lively adventure that wholeheartedly embraces the concept of found family. Ages 8–12.
