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Description
When Harvey Cheyne, a pampered teenager whose father is a powerful shipping magnate, falls overboard during an ocean crossing, he is pulled from the sea by the crew of a Gloucester fishing schooner. To survive the rough voyage back to his family, he must put aside his entitled attitude, work alongside the hard-nosed fishermen, and win their respect. Kipling mixes a rip-roaring sea adventure with a classic coming-of-age tale, using humor and hard-won lessons about loyalty, courage, and the value of honest work.
Quick Summary
Harvey Cheyne's dramatic journey from a pampered millionaire's son to a humble fisherman makes for one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish. Rescued after falling off a luxury liner, he finds himself on a small fishing vessel off the coast of Newfoundland, where he must trade his silver spoon for honest work and earn the respect of a rough-but-hearted crew. The book paints such a vivid picture of life on the Atlantic you can almost smell the salt air that even readers who usually avoid classics find themselves hooked. Anyone who loves adventure tales with genuine heart, particularly those who appreciated Hatchet, will find this irresistible. Parents should note it delivers solid messages about humility and hard work without feeling preachy, though there are some tense moments when storms threaten the boat.