Castaways of the Flying Dutchman
Posted by Ruth
Categories: Adventure, Dogs, Fiction, Incredibook!, Long Read, Older Readers, Review, Scary, Seafaring
Tags: Brian Jacques
Our rating: 
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman (Firebird) (Paperback)
by Brian Jacques
ISBN: 0142501182
Price: USD 7.99
55 used & new available from USD 0.80
A boy, unable to speak since birth, while fleeing from his tormentors, hides onboard a ship, not knowing that the ship will sail at dawn. The ship’s cook discovers him and takes him as a galley boy, naming him Neb, short for Nebuchadnezzar. Life is hard for Neb, but he struggles along and finds a new friend in a dog, that he befriends at a stop in Denmark. He coaxes the dog aboard and names him Den, short for Denmark, keeping him hidden all the while. As the months go by and Captain Vanderdecken strives to reach his destination with his precious cargo, they reach the dreaded Cape Horn in the worst of midwinter. Finally, all of Captain Vanderdecken’s greed, cruelty and arrogance brings the curse of the Lord upon him and all aboard the Flying Dutchman, dooming them to sail the waters of the world for eternity. But because of the boy and the dog’s innocence of heart, they are granted life, boundless youth, understanding, the ability to communicate and destined to roam the world forever, giving aid and comfort wherever it’s needed. After reversing their names, making them Ben and Ned, they set out on their eternal journey. Their travels soon lead them to Chapelvale, a small town whose very existence is at stake and in need of help.
I think Brian Jacques’ fascination for legends led him to write this book. He took an existing legend about “a ship that was doomed to sail the world forever” and made that the basis for this wonderful book. He gives new meaning to the legend and the emotional impact is unforgettable. Written on the side between Redwall books, this also has a sequel: The Angel’s Command.
(6 votes, average: 4.83 out of 5)
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Jordan said:
Haunting…You won’t forget the very vivid beginning.
jc said:
im 17 and i absolutly love this book! a lot of teen books coming out aren’t good anymore, but this book is awesome! brian jacques is one of those rare extremely truly talented authors!
Voyage of Slaves | Incredibooks said:
[...] to save the troupe! Pirates, smugglers, spies, raiders, a shark… This is a great addition to Castaways of the Flying Dutchman and The Angel’s [...]
The Angel’s Command | Incredibooks said:
[...] more hauntingly vivid than Castaways of the Flying Dutchman, this one is a favorite of mine. Portions are funny, and others are sad. A page turner, with a lot [...]