The Sea-wreck Stranger by Anna Mackenzie
A post apocalyptic novel set on an island on which a close knit but conservative community ruled by fear and superstition, has survived, living a harsh farming life. Cousins Ness, Ty and Sophie work hard in a joyless home environment and are forbidden to go to the shoreline as many have died from poison and pollution that came from the sea. On a visit to the sea the threesome discover a stranger close to death and Ness takes responsibility of nursing him back to life without revealing her discovery to the adults on the island. Through her relationship with the stranger Ness sees a chance to escape her cheerless life and understands that there are other communities beyond the one she lives in. The task of hiding the stranger brings drama to the story but I fear Anna Mackenzie has missed a chance to debate the attitudes of the closed community on the island with the interests of the whole of mankind that has survived the holocaust. Nonetheless this is an outstanding story and will be popular with the intermediate and secondary audience it is aimed at. This book will provoke much discussion.
Published by Longacre
Reviewed by Bob
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4 comments:
A fantastic story, exciting and thought-provoking. I'm looking forward to the sequel. A great addition to Bluestone School's collection.
I loved this book as does everyone I pass it onto - including teachers. Well written with page-turning intrigue while incorporating all sorts of issues to promote much discussion.
Mahurangi College
Lots of suspense in this read - set on an island some time in the world's dark future, reeling from the effects of pollution/global warming. Ness, the main character, shows courage, strength of character and compassion to 'buck the system' on the island and save the life of an outsider washed up on the beach. A great read.
This is a really thought provoking story about a bleak future world. It reminds me of the Jan Mark "Riding tycho" series. I want to know what happens to Dev and Ness.
Heretaunga College
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