Alone on a Wide, Wide Sea

I believe that this is the best book I have ever read. I think Michael Morpurgo is such a talented writer, and therefore I have read the book many times. Although it is quite a big book, it is definitely an excellent read and I think that most students would enjoy it.

The book begins with Arthur Hobhouse talking in first person about his life. Yet, he doesn’t know where, when, or to whom he was born. However, he does know that when he was six he got on a boat to Australia to escape the World War II bombings, leaving his sister, Kitty, behind. On the boat journey he meets Marty, who is a tall cockney lad, with a lot of hope and spirit. Arthur and Marty experience some enormous hardships, throughout the book, but also enjoy many happy times together. As Arthur’s life goes on he never finds the opportunity to go back to England and find Kitty. This all changes when he realises that he his dying. Although Arthur meets this sad conclusion, I still find the story fun and uplifting, rather than sad.

The rest of the book is written in the perspective of Arthur’s teenage daughter, Allie. In her part of the story she sails her own boat to England, travelling “Alone on a Wide, Wide Sea’. On her journey she meets lots of interesting people and friendly animals. I find this section particularly interesting, due to the contrast between her father’s stories.

“Alone on a Wide, Wide Sea” really captures a rollercoaster of emotions and explores the adventures of the characters. Reading this book made a huge impression on me and I believe it could have the same amazing effect on others. In addition, even though the story is fictional, it is truly inspiring and I believe it has made me a much more resilient person. I found I couldn’t put this book down, eagerly anticipating the ending. Furthermore, I promise that those who read this book won’t be disappointed. Will Allie find her grandmother, Kitty? Read this amazing tale to find out…