alone on a wide, wide sea - michael morpurgo
Touching and delightful children's book about a small boy shipped off to Australia just after WWII. I love the Aussie-isms (even though I know Morpurgo is British), love the feminism and the quiet rage about what the hell people were thinking when they sent off such young children alone, to uncertain, rootless futures with people who might not have their best interests at heart.
The second half of the book is deeply scary as well, with a young girl doing a solo sailing trip from Australia to England. Do not do this, folks. And if you think you absolutely *need* to do it, read this book, since it will probably cure you of the desire.
10-01-2010
