Customer Reviews

The Wreck of the Ethie

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

 

 

I read many of the books my children select so that we can discuss them. Many are disappointing but the Wreck of the Ethie was thoroughly enjoyable. Hilary Hyland has written a story that you can't put down. Her descriptions of the characters, events and Newfoundland dog are so well done that you feel you are on the shore watching the entire rescue take place. My 9 year old daughter read the book in one sitting and talked about it for days after. Ms. Hyland should be commended for her obviously painstaking research into the story. This kind of wholesome story depicting the good in humanity is what our children should be reading.

From a December, 1919, incident, Hillary Hyland has woven a tale sure to warm the hearts of all Newfoundland fans. We follow the events leading to the wreck and the rescue from three perspectives: Collen, the schoolgirl of the dog's family; Patrick, the 16-year old ship's boy, and Skipper, our hero himself. Chapters give us a taste of the world of the rocky coast of Newfoundland in 1919 through the perceptions and reflections of each of these characters. We follow Skipper's work (placing nets for his master) and play (chasing a hare into a thicket, diving for rocks thrown in the surf by Collen) in order to acquaint us with the skills and traits he will later use in the rescue. It is primarily through Patrick's eyes that we see the building storm, the captain's struggle to keep control of a ship increasingly driven and then pummeled by monstrous seas. The terror is palpable as the crew fights to keep feeding the boiler with dry coal in the midst of acrid smoke, a lurching deck, incursions of seawater, and the growing risk of explosion should the water rising in the engine room reach the furnace. Even though we know better, doom seems inevitable as the surging seas impale the ship on rocks and begin to beat it apart. All watch from what is left of the top deck as Skipper fights the waves to retrieve a life line tangled under water in the rocks. The Wreck of the Ethie is a wonderful, heroic tale. I'll take Skipper over Rocky, Rambo, or Arnold any time. It doesn't hurt that all ends well for all the people on board and for Skipper.

Michael Marcus, Editor, Columbia River Newfoundland News.

Hilary Hyland has done an incredible job of researching and then fictionalizing this incredible story of a shipwreck of the coast of Newfoundland in a blizzard during December 1919. Her depication of life on the island, as well as the loving relationship between a girl and her dog, offer readers two good reasons to read this book. Hyland tells the tale of Colleen and her dog, Skipper, while drawing the parallel story of a poor Irish boy, Patrick, who works on the SS Ethie. I think many young boys and girls will be able to put themselves in the place of Colleen and Patrick and live this harrowing adventure to the fullest. Since there is a happy ending for everyone, the story can be read by younger children (seven or eight) without fear of nightmares.

Hilary Hyland has written a compelling account of a true story. The hero is a much loved family dog that saves the lives of people ship-wrecked on the SS Ethie. Although this is written for 9-12 year olds I [in the over thirty crowd]found myself totally immersed in it. I was in tears at several points, and couldn't put the book down. I would highly recommend this book for boys, girls,and adults! While enthralled with the story you will unknowingly learn about geography, fishing, shipping, and acts of courage and generosity. Can't wait to have disucssions with my children about the book.

What a wonderful story. My daughter and I read to each other and we could hardly put the book down. This is a story that combines history with good old fashioned folk-lore. Ms. Hyland's characters come alive on page one; the Reilly's, Patrick Logan, Captain Flannery and, of course, Fergus. Skipper, what a hero, totally captivates your heart. No, we are not getting a Newfoundland - or so I keep telling myself everyday since we finished this wonderful story. Well done - a story for all ages!

My nine-year-old daughter and I took turns reading this book aloud to each other at bedtime. I became so caught up in the story that I started reading ahead each night after she was asleep -- I couldn't wait until the next day to see what happened! We both loved the characters, especially the brave dog, Skipper. And it was heartwarming to read a story that contains so many people performing brave deeds in a desperate situation. My daughter enjoyed the book so much that she asked me to buy a copy for her class at school so that her friends can read it as well.

My son received this book for Christmas from his grandmother and loved every word of it. He read it in one sitting which is something he usually does not do. Curious at what kept his attention I picked it up and read the book myself. I was delightfully entertained (and educated) by the author's writing. It was obvious to me that Ms. Hyland had spent a lot of time researching the history behind the story. This research combined with wonderful story- telling made it an enjoyable book for my son and myself. I highly recommend it.

Hilary Hyland's The Wreck of the Ethie is a dramatic account of a dog's heroism during a sea disaster. As a schoolteacher, I can attest to the fact that children love this book. The principal characters in the book are two pre-teens and a Newfoundland dog named Skipper. The book is based on a true story about the shipwreck of the Ethie in 1919. Ms. Hyland has included the results of her meticulous research to provide an educational "read" for kids of all ages. The fast-paced story kept this adult reading page after page without respite. The illustrations help "visual" readers to connect as the story unfolds with descriptive imagery. A section at the end of the book (Author's Note) answers common questions posed by school children regarding the dog and the story. In addition, a glossary of nautical terms is included.
Ms. Hyland visits schools and provides a slide presentation showing pictures and information gathered during her research for the book. She tells children about the process of researching and writing historical fiction. She provides an interactive question and answer environment for students to discuss her book and visit with her own Newwfoundland dog, Cubby, who accompanies her on each and every visit! This book is a great choice for adults or children. Don't miss this one!

Hats Off to Hilary! My nieces and nephews loved this book and are now begging for a Newfoundland! The story line is second to none and has children as well as adults sitting on the edge of their seats. My 10 year old nephew wanted to know when the movie would come out... that's one I would enjoy going to also! In the meantime, all of us hope Mrs. Hyland decides she has another book in her!

I read this book before giving it to my children and I loved it. Although it is written for children it held my interest. I found myself lost in its pages until I finished it.

Ms. Hyland, the author obviously did her homework while writing this book. She must have a real love for the Newfoundland dog because her descriptions of the breed and its behavior is right on the money. Bravo to the author and to anyone young or old who reads this riviting book.