The Cay

1942年、Phillipと母親の乗った船は、カリブ海を航行中、ドイツに攻撃される。 避難中の事故で母親とはぐれたPhillipが気づいた時、 救命ボートの上には、黒人の老人Timothyと一匹の猫しかいなかった。 2人と1匹は、運良く小さな無人島に漂着するが、事故で頭を打っていたPhillipは失明してしまう。 Phillipに、一人で生きていく力をつけさせようとする、Timothyの思いに感動しました。 ただ… イラストが、まるで昔の恐怖漫画のようで、ちょっといただけないです。

This is an enthralling read for teenagers and adults alike . It puts across the issues of racism in a simple but direct and unsentimental way. The characters are strong and resourceful. Timothy's use of creole dialect adds a sense of time and place. The location of the story and its time during World War Two is unusual for the British reader, making it interesting and different. The story has a reasonable pace and the outcome is satisfactory, despite the death of a major character. The current edition lacks the fine line illustrations in previous editions, which added to the impact. I can see that the cover has been changed to presumably appeal to an older audience, but it is dark and indistinct and does not immediately arouse the interest of the prospective reader. Don't judge this book by its cover, as it is a very good read.

A powerful and heartwarming story of survival and friendship that stays with you long after reading.

ChatGPT "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that left a lasting impact on me. Set against the backdrop of World War II, it tells the story of Phillip, a young American boy stranded on a deserted island in the Caribbean with Timothy, an elderly West Indian man. Through their journey of survival and adversity, the novel explores themes of friendship, prejudice, and resilience. What struck me most about "The Cay" is its ability to delve deep into complex emotions and moral dilemmas. The relationship that develops between Phillip and Timothy, initially marked by fear and misunderstanding due to racial and generational differences, evolves into a profound bond built on mutual respect and survival instincts. The novel's exploration of blindness, both literal and metaphorical, adds layers of symbolism and introspection that resonated with me long after finishing the book. Taylor's prose is both evocative and accessible, effectively transporting readers to the harsh yet beautiful landscape of the deserted island. The themes of courage and acceptance resonate universally, making "The Cay" a timeless and compelling read for readers of all ages.

I have enjoyed this story for 40 years and so I ordered this copy for a new generation. It took months to arrive and finally came today. The book is very small with small print. It is not your average size and I doubt the kids will want to read it because of this. Disappointing.