Customer Reviews

Lord Kirkle's Money (Beyond the Western Sea)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just finished reading this book, and am impatiently waiting for the next book to come in at the library. It was about the hardships Irish children go through, just to get on the ship to America. I especially liked how it was almost two stories in one, with the rich English boy, Lawrence, and the two poor Irish kids, Maura and Patrick going back and forth between the two. My advice is that you buy both Thsi book and the second one, because once you read this one, even overnight shipping will not get this book to you fast enough. Over all, it was one of the best books I've read.

Title: Beyond the Western Sea Book One "Escape from Home" Author: Avi # of Pages: 293

Beyond the Western Sea is a book full of suspense. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good book. There are many twists and turns from start to end, along with a very suspenseful ending making you want to read on. Beyond the Western Sea is the story of two young boys. Patrick O'Connell comes from a poor family in a small community. He lives with his mother and sister, Maura. Mr. O'Connell has been away for a year in America seeking a fortune, and promising to send for his family once he becomes rich. Patrick, Maura, and Mrs. O'Connell finally receive notice that their father is alive and rich. Lawrence Kirkle has a completely different situation. He comes from one of the richest families in London. Lawrence decides to run away to get away from his older brother who takes advantage of seniority. On his way, Lawrence manages to steal a 1,000 dollar bank note from his fathers desk. A chase begins in the port city of Liverpool with many surprises. Both boys eventually meet in Liverpool and help each other during their times of need. This book shows the different aspects of both boy's adventure. From "runners" to blackmail this book is a great story of adventure during the early years of America. Beyond the Western Sea is continued in an exciting sequel called Lord Kirkle's Money.

This is a really great book. At first the book was a little slow, and boring, but it got SO GOOD! Now I want to read the next book. Basically, there is 2 stories of different people going on at once. Maura, Patrick O'Connel, and their mother are living alone while their father is living in America, trying to make money so that they can come live with him for a better life. They face a lot of challenging surprises as the reach their destination- America. With their mother refusing to leave their hometown, they are off on their own to reach their father. At the same time a young boy Sir Laurence Kirkle, son of a wealthy man, runs away to America because he is not happy with his life. With his father hiring people to find him and take him home, his older brother hires a man to make sure his brother stays away from home so he does not return home. Maura, Patrick, and Laurence all meet up and try to get to America, but do they?? You will have to read the next book to find out!!

This is a really great book. At first the book was a little slow, and boring, but it got SO GOOD! Now I want to read the next book. Basically, there is 2 stories of different people going on at once. Maura, Patrick O'Connel, and their mother are living alone while their father is living in America, trying to make money so that they can come live with him for a better life. They face a lot of challenging surprises as the reach their destination- America. With their mother refusing to leave their hometown, they are off on their own to reach their father. At the same time a young boy Sir Laurence Kirkle, son of a wealthy man, runs away to America because he is not happy with his life. With his father hiring people to find him and take him home, his older brother hires a man to make sure his brother stays away from home so he does not return home. Maura, Patrick, and Laurence all meet up and try to get to America, but do they?? You will have to read the next book to find out!!

Patrick and Maura O'Connell are two Irish kids from a small village called Killony trying to voyage to America to join their father. Also trying to get to America is young Sir Lawrence Kirkle, the second son of a very rich man in London. He runs away from his home in London because his older brother Albert abuses him. Obviously, his older brother does not like him. Albert pays Matthew Clemspool to get his brother out of England. In order to get to America, they have to take a boat to Liverpool. When Maura and Patrick get to Liverpool, they have tickets to stay at the Union House, a Hotel for immigrants going to America. There are other places to stay in Liverpool, so a group of people try to take the lost immigrants to other places that aren't as nice so the people that run them get some money from the immigrants. Ralph Toggs is one of those people and takes Patrick and Maura to a very dirty place.
Imagine being lost, not knowing what to expect next in a city full of people trying to make you go the wrong way. You don't know who to trust, who not to trust, where to run, or where to hide.
This book is amazing and suspenseful. Avi keeps you guessing at the end of every chapter. Trust me, if you pick up this book, you won't put it down. If you read this book, you will definitely want to read the next one in the series, Lord Kirle's Money. Two thumbs up.

Avi has written several classics, such as the Dimwood Forest Series and Don't You Know There's A War On. This book, Beyond The Western Sea Book One, is a credit to his writing. An exciting book, it also is educational and great for kids who like historical fiction. It is SO hard to find a writer like this these days!! Avi, in my book, will always be mentioned in the same category as Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle. To me, this paints a picture that is so real and vivid. A very good book. I'd rate this ten stars if I could. A must-buy. One that the parents will love just as much.

This book is filled with adventures and schemes. From the very beginning till the end you are completely hooked. I strongly recommend this book to anyone older than 11. This book is about two siblings trying to escape to America. They meet up with another boy from London, who has is own story to tell and become involved in a whirl of trouble. This is just book 1 in a very promising series.

I loved this novel! It has history and adventure. An Irish brother and sister who have been kicked out of their home meet the son of their cruel landlord who is running away. They are all trying to get on a ship to America, but there are many who will try and stop them. You will learn about sticking together and beating the odds from this book.

I was disappointed in this book only because I had to wait for its sequel. It is a book geared for the young adult but all ages would enjoy it. I found it intelligent and engripping and I'm certainly looking forward to reading other books by Avi

I have always been a fan of Avi, and I have to tell you that this is probably my favourite book by him.

(Don't worry, no spoilers ahead)

Beyond the Western Sea begins in the poor village of Kilonny, in Ireland, where Maura, Patrick and their mother struggle to survive. Their little brother has passed away recently, their father left for America a few months ago, and they are very poor.

One day, a letter arrives. It was written by their father, and he says that he has settled down in America, and he wants his family to join him. He has put money and tickets inside the envelope, so Maura, Patrick and their mother start their journey toward America. The kids and their mother get separated soon afterwards, so Maura and Patrick have to continue their dreaded journey alone.

They arrive at Liverpool (where their ship to America will sail from), where they meet Ralph Toggs, a young man with no good intentions, Mr. Drabble, a poor actor that soon becomes like a father to them, and Laurence, a troubled kid that fled from home back in London, looking for justice away from his father, Lord Kirkle, and his annoying brother.

Beyond the Western Sea is a must-read, and I highly recommend it to people of all ages.