Customer Reviews

MOONFLEET.

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Number me among the many who read this book in grade school back in the late 60's or 70's and the name stuck with me through the years.

Later as an adult, I returned to this book to read it anew and experience the magic again.

Yes, this is book designed for the younger reader. But as is the case with most well written books, all ages will find something to take away. Treasure Island, Kidnapped etc. are all of the same genre, but what makes Moonfleet unique is the tight identification of the young protagonist John Trenchard and the first person telling which brings the reader into seeing and experiencing it though his eyes.

For a book published in 1898 and set in 1757 and following, that youth in the 60's would find it so fascinating and real is a testament to the talent of Falkner.

Timeless. Engaging. Intriguing. Fantastic!

Did I mention that I like it and recommend it heartily?

MOONFLEET is a novel that might have been written by Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens together, although in fact it was written by John Meade Falkner. I first read it in high school and was very pleased to find it available on Kindle. It is a fast-moving novel narrated by a man looking back at his boyhood and early manhood with the kind of regret Robinson Crusoe had, although in many ways his sufferings were far greater.

I would recommend it for all teenagers who have an interest in reading, and for those whose interest needs to be stimulated.

It's 1757. Fifteen-year old John Trenchard is bored living with his Aunt Jane in the shoreline village of Moonfleet in England - unitl his discovery of a secret thrusts him into a fugitive existence. The relatively dullish opening sets you up for a rivetting adventure, complete with "ghosts," an underground tunnel, smugglers, and the quest for a pirate's jewel treasure. Very atmospheric. Very intriguing.

Moonfleet is a story that you just want to read over and over again.The beginning is kinda slow but by Chapter Four you will be reading till the wolves come home. This book as you can tell by my review is very addictive to read, I would recommend to anyone who is bored with Harry Potter or who despretly needs a good read. P.S Don't get hooked on Elziver..... if you buy this book you will know why. :P

I read this in high school and saw it for 50 cents in a used book store. Best money i have ever spent. This story is about a young boy that "finds" a large diamond and consequently spends 10 years in prison with his elder friend and companion. He has a "Y" branded on his face and struggles to return home where his love is keeping a candle in the window for him to guide his return.(This is where Credence Clearwater Revival got the idea for the song "Long as I Can see the Light") There are some really awesome twists regarding the ownership of the diamond as it changes hands time and again...True, this is a "kids book" but the story and writing are fantastic... The ending is pure brilliance!

I suggest you grab a copy of this book next time you are at the book store - It contains a lot more treasure than just the diamond.

Relic113

Like the earlier reviewer, I remembered this book from many years ago (Grade 8) and over the years a number of scenes stayed with me - but the title morphed in my mind Moon***** whatever, so I could never find it.

Finally found it here, ordered and re-read it - it was even better than I remembered. While a little bit "boy's own adventure" young John and Elzevir's story goes quite a bit further than sheer pluck and derring do - having read what life would be like for English prisoners in Batavia, made me appreciate their plight even more!

A Fascinating portrait of 18th century real life - rural (isolated) England and it's society, economics and the black market as a survival strategy - great read.

this was the first classical novel i picked up

and also happened to be the first time i cried reading a novel.

very heart-warming and a charm to read.

I opened this book to expecting another hard-to-read but still classic book. I made a HUGE mistake! The story line was very interesting, never boring, and suspenseful. It had an amazing moral. Definately worth reading.

I read this story as a young reader and didn't fully appreciate the love, compassion, commaraderie, and adventure that is present on each page until now. The language is poetic, so beyond any that is used in modern stories; the drama and passion are heightened because of it. This is a brilliant tale.

I read this book as a child and loved it. As an adult it has enchanted me again. As I lived near Moonfleet until adulthood I am transported back to Dorset.