Sons from Afar (The Tillerman Series #6) [Mass Market Paperback]

Cynthia Voigt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 12, 1988

James and Sammy Tillerman are as different as two brothers can be. But when Jimmy seeks out their missing father, Sammy joins in. As they ask questions, and move closer to their quest, it is Sammy who grows more interested--until the questions lead the brothers to a seedy waterfront bar where violence erupts....
"Keeps your interest...Quite suspenseful."
KIDSDY-NEWSDAY

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anyone unfamiliar with the Tillerman familywritten about in Homecoming, Dicey's Song, the recent Come a Stranger and other titlescan begin with this one, a probing story about a quiet boy who ennobles himself simply by being himself and his seemingly straightforward brother, who both takes and inspires action. James Tillerman is 15 now, and Sammy, 12, although the older boy is small for his age and the younger brother large for his. "Things were so simple for Sammy, clear and simple," Voigt writes, but James's refrain is more complicated, for he begins so many sentences with "Do you ever wonder . . . ?" He wants to find their father and understand why the man never claimed them, never wanted to see who they were. What he and Sammy discover, in a dank bar where merchant sailors hang out, is that their father cheats almost everyone he meets: their mother of marriage, fellow sailors of money, his children of company, love, supportand (but only if they let him) even of dignity. A complex story of the ways in which people piece themselves togetherwith or in spite of their backgroundsVoigt's book rings with truth and compassion. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8 In this continuation of the Tillerman saga, the focus is on brothers James and Sammy. Always the questioner, James is determined to find the father he never knew. His main objective is to see if his own character traits, especially his intelligence, which sets him apart, are inherited from this shadowy figure from the past. Reluctantly, Sammy joins in on the search, which is made more difficult because they do not confide in Gram, nor older sister Dicey, who is away at college. Readers are drawn into the hunt, hoping that the merchant seaman father is found, yet fearing what kind of man he will turn out to be. (Those familiar with Voigt's Runner Atheneum, 1985 already have an idea.) Voigt is wise to make the search inconclusive; it ends at a waterfront bar in a fight with ex-associates of their father. Yet the story itself comes to a conclusion, for James has found himself and has at least become more comfortable with his unique qualities. The theme of fatherhood is woven throughout the narrative, including Greek myths and the fathers of friends. And while the search is the main element in this story, Voigt allows her characters to pursue other interests along the way. Readers who are not familiar with the earlier Tillerman novels, such as Homecoming (1981) and Dicey's Song (1982, both Atheneum), will have no problem finding their place in this story, as Voigt fills in enough of the background to cover any questions. However, they will no doubt be motivated to go back to the earlier episodes to become further acquainted with these characters who have remained marvelously consistent under Voigt's hand. Just as James' search drives him to the conclusion, so will readers be compelled to stay with his story from start to finish. Susan Schuller, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett Juniper (July 12, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449702936
• ISBN-13: 978-0449702932
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,631 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cynthia Voigt won the Newbery Medal for Dicey's Song and the Newbery Honor Award for A Solitary Blue, both part of the beloved Tillerman Cycle. She is also the author of many other celebrated books for middle-grade and teen readers, including Izzy, Willy-Nilly and Jackaroo. She was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 1995 for her work in literature, and the Katahdin Award in 2004. She lives in Maine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars James and Sammy truly learn to be Tillermans in this journey, June 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sons from Afar (The Tillerman Series #6) (Mass Market Paperback)

I began reading Cynithia Voigt in eight grade. My teacher assigned Dicey's Song and I fell in love. Her style is unmatched...she makes you feel as if you are apart of the Tillerman family and anything that happens to them, happens to you...a sign of a "born to be" writer. James and Sammy seek truth in a journey to find their father who left years before they really new what it would mean to be Tillermans. Excellent book for all ages. I have read all of the Tillerman cycle and ache for more...give them to any child coming of age...Voigt's knowlege of adolescence is astounding. I am twenty years old and they have been a guide and support to me thus far in my life, I am certain they will do the same for my little girl someday.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Brother's Perspective, April 17, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Sons from Afar (The Tillerman Series #6) (Mass Market Paperback)

Sons From Afar, by Cynthia Voigt was another huge success. In this particular book, the main characters are James & Sammy. James was the kind of person who wished to find out about his lost father because of his feelings in high school on how "being a dork isn't going to get you anywhere." He believes that since all the boys his age had fathers, they were all taught how to catch a ball ever since they were little. Although James had good grades, he wants to find a sport he could play well on. For Sammy, he's like the opposite of James. He's very active: participating in tennis and always being full of energy. When Sammy learned that James wanted to find their father, he didn't hesitate. He even entered a bar that says "no kids allowed" just to find his father! This was how Cynthia Voigt made this book interesting: describing the differences and problems of two brothers that can also happen in our every day lives. On every single page, there is excitement and adventure to make the reader satisfied on what he or she is reading. I have enjoyed this book, and this book will be an excellent choice for people who want to read about young adult fiction.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brotherhood, April 16, 2002

By 

Beverly J. Scott "Author and avid reader" (Ankeny, IA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sons from Afar (The Tillerman Series #6) (Mass Market Paperback)

In another of the Tillerman series, Cynthia Voight explores the relationship between James and Sammy as each attempts to discover his inner self and who he wants to be. As the brothers search for a long missing father they grow to understand and admire each other. Although the plot bogs down in detail at times, there is enough action to keep the reader turning pages through to the finish. Not as captivating as the first two books in the series.
Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge