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The Cay

Series: A Puffin Book
3.79 goodreads logo

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( 37,989 ratings, 2,926 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Cay by Theodore Taylor tells the story of a young boy named Phillip who, during World War II, becomes stranded on a small deserted island with Timothy, an elderly West Indian sailor, after their ship is torpedoed by a German submarine. Through their struggle for survival, Phillip learns important lessons about friendship, trust, and overcoming prejudice. As they face the island's challenges together, the bond between Phillip and Timothy grows deeper against the backdrop of the war.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1900
Elsewhere:
$2100
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to stories of survival and friendship. It follows the journey of a young boy and an older man stranded on a deserted island, navigating challenges while building an unlikely bond. This tale is perfect for readers who appreciate themes of resilience and overcoming societal prejudices in a dramatic, adventure-filled setting.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

THE CAY is a tense and compulsive survival story by Theodore Taylor of a young boy and an old man adrift on the ocean, then marooned on a tiny, deserted island. It is also a fascinating study of the relationship between Phillip, white, American, and influenced by his mother's racial prejudices, and the black man upon whom Phillip's life depends.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A Puffin Book - stories that last a lifetime

A tense and compulsive survival story of a young boy and an old man adrift on the ocean, then marooned on a tiny, deserted island. It is also a fascinating study of the relationship between Phillip, white, American, and influenced by his mother's prejudices, and the black man upon whom Phillip's life depends.

The Cay offers readers an engaging and thought-provoking narrative about survival, trust, and the breaking down of racial boundaries. With its powerful themes and compelling characters, this novel stands the test of time.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

i>The Cay by Theodore Taylor is praised for its compelling storytelling and vivid descriptions. Reviewers appreciate the novel's exploration of themes like friendship, survival, and racial prejudice. The evolving relationship between the characters and the tension of their island survival keep readers engaged.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141354941

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 July 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Puffin Classics

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Kenny McKendry

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 11.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 129g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Theodore Taylor was born in 1921 in North Carolina, USA. The idea for THE CAY, his first novel for children, came when he was researching an adult bookabout German submarine attacks in the Second World War. THE CAY was first published in 1969 and has won many literary awards. Theodore Taylor died in 2006.

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