- Hardcover: 216 pages
- Publisher: Walker Books Ltd; 1st edition (3 Jun 2002)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0744592518
- ISBN-13: 978-0744592511
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 17.2 x 3.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 414,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Like the real-life history of its author--a deep-sea diving, mountaineering, snake-loving, cycling Doctor--The Voyage of the Arctic Tern is stuffed full of incident. It may be long, as heavy as a brick, told in poetry and feature a sweeping historical narrative that crosses the centuries, but Hugh Montgomery's debut work for children is a satisfyingly old-fashioned adventure that thrills, mystifies and captivates the reader in turns.
Told in verse that is perfectly accompanied on each page by the haunting and atmospheric illustrations of Nick Poullis, the story begins in the modern-day naval town of Plymouth. The narrator tells of a ghostly sea captain called Bruno who was destined to wander through time, trapped in existence by immortal life--his punishment for a hideous crime that he had committed in a forgotten age. Bruno had sold out for money the people of his tiny home fishing village. However, Bruno himself had been betrayed by his paymasters and each and every man, woman and child had perished because of him. Bruno's soul would be spared only when he had made amends for his three crimes. He must save a life, rescue one that has been betrayed and help some local folk by giving away a large wealth. Bruno's ship is the Arctic Tern, and to complete the first of his steps to redemption he travels to Spain in the time of Queen Elizabeth I on a mission of peace. There he has the opportunity, with his travelling colleagues, to unravel a plot to poison the Spanish King.
There are other adventures too--involving ghosts, pirates and treasure. The poetry is sometimes inconsistent, but the stories are never dull and they shine through, pure and undiminished. It's difficult to imagine a better rainy afternoon read under a blanket on the sofa. The book is sure to endure and with its sumptuous production will no doubt be a multi-seasonal gift for years to come. (Age 10 and over)--John McLay
Review
"Here's my prediction for the children's film success of 2004 or thereabouts. It will be based on a book called The Voyage of the Arctic Tern, by Hugh Montgomery... A cross between Watership Down and C. S. Lewis." Richard Brooks, The Sunday Times
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I read this book in its first incarnation last year. It now seems that Walker Books have bought it for mass distribution. And about time!
This book is unique. Not a mere clone of any other on the market. Totally original. With a wonderful story, and magical illustrations (on every one of over 200 pages!), this is a book to treasure.
The story is a classic of right and wrong, good and bad. Bruno, the mysterious sailor, must make amends for deeds past... and in so doing defeat the pirate MadDog. A faithful crew, sunken treasure... even a dog (!), this has all the elements of a 'ripping read'. I read it in one go.
This book is unique. Not a mere clone of any other on the market. Totally original. With a wonderful story, and magical illustrations (on every one of over 200 pages!), this is a book to treasure.
The story is a classic of right and wrong, good and bad. Bruno, the mysterious sailor, must make amends for deeds past... and in so doing defeat the pirate MadDog. A faithful crew, sunken treasure... even a dog (!), this has all the elements of a 'ripping read'. I read it in one go.
Described as 'an obvious read-aloud book', this is one for all the family. And I don't seem to be alone. Winner of the DT 'Book of the Year' last year, and tipped by the Sunday Times as 'the film of 2003', this is one to get now.
Age range? probably to read with a child from 6 upwards. Or for anyone aged 8-108 to read alone.
And who knows? With first edition Hary Potters going for £3,000, this could be a good investment!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a book for all - 'read aloud', kids on their own, adults up to grandparents! The story's mystery and excitement is enhanced by the verse in which it is written. Most adults I know who have read it have done so in one sitting. Kids can't wait to get their next installment - no problem getting to bed if they know this is their bedtime reading! Makes a perfect gift for all - and they will all want to give copies to their friends. Beautifully illustrated and bound, this really is a treasure of a book which will delight your whole family.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I am holidaying in Portsmouth, and the weather has been wet and rainy all week. Having exhausted all indoor 'things to do', I retreated to a local bookshop, where I found this on display. 200+ pages of verse? For children? Surely not for me- I'm 27! But something attracted me- and I was not disappointed. This is just fantastic. The most wonderful and unique book. I've not read anything so enjoyable for an age. My sole regret is that I don't have a family to read this to/ with, as it would be just GREAT read aloud. Something here for kids of all ages, and also adults of all ages. I cannot recommend this enough...
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Inspirational Text
This book really is poetry in motion. The authors have managed to leave the reader tantilised as the nautical story progresses from Devon to Spain and back again, all written in... Read more
Published on 1 Mar 2004 by "neilgoldsack"
Fantastic, great for adults and kids, couldn't put it down
A cracking tale of sea-faring spanning a millenium. This will appeal to adults and kids of all ages.
Published on 28 Jan 2002
A gripping, exhilarating yarn with beautiful illustrations
This is a book which everyone should read! It's billed as a children's book but I read it as an adult - have read it twice already! Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2001
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