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The Night Ship

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( 12,737 ratings, 2,080 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 Night Ship by Jess Kidd is a historical fiction novel that intertwines the tales of two characters living centuries apart. Set in the 17th century and 1989, it follows a young girl aboard a Dutch ship bound for Australia and a lonely boy discovering the mysteries of the past on Batavia's Graveyard. Their stories reveal connections across time, highlighting themes of survival and shared destinies.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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're drawn to tales that weave mystery and historical tragedy into an absorbing narrative. Set aboard a doomed ship journey and intertwining with events centuries apart, it offers rich storytelling that blends real historical events with vivid imagination, perfect for fans of atmospheric and evocative historical fiction.

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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

The Night Ship is an enthralling tale of human brutality, fate and friendship – and of two children, hundreds of years apart, whose destinies are inextricably bound together.

One shipwreck. Two misfits. Three centuries apart.

1629. Embarking on a journey in search of her father, a young girl called Mayken boards the Batavia, the most impressive sea vessel of the age. During the long voyage, this curious and resourceful child must find her place in the ship's stratified world. She soon uncovers shadowy secrets above and below deck and as tensions spiral, the fate of the ship and all on board becomes increasingly uncertain.

1989. Gil, a boy mourning the death of his mother, is placed in the care of his cranky grandfather. Their home is a shack on a tiny fishing island off the West Australian coast, notable only for its reefs and wrecked boats. This is no place for a boy struggling with a dark past, and Gil's actions soon get him noticed by the wrong people.

The Night Ship is an enthralling tale of human brutality, fate and friendship – and of two children, hundreds of years apart, whose destinies are inextricably bound together.

'Kidd's imagination is a thing of wonder.' New York Times

'Kidd's writing is never less than surprising and original.' Irish Independent

'Kidd has imagination to die for.' Guardian

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?

The Night Ship by Jess Kidd is praised for its vivid storytelling and atmospheric setting, weaving a compelling historical narrative that shifts between time periods. The characters are well-developed, and the intricate plot keeps readers engaged, showcasing Kidd’s talent for blending mystery and historical detail. Critics often highlight the immersive experience and the emotional depth of the storyline.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781761045837

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 July 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Viking Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 508g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Jess Kidd was brought up in London as part of a large family from county Mayo and has been praised for her unique fictional voice. Her debut, Himself, was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2016, the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award 2017 and longlisted for the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger 2017. Jess won the 2016 Costa Short Story Award. Her second novel, The Hoarder, also titled Mr. Flood's Last Resort (U.S.), was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year 2019 and longlisted for the 2020 International Dublin Literary Award. Her third book, the Victorian detective tale Things in Jars, has been released to critical acclaim. Jess's work has been described as 'Gabriel Garcia Marquez meets The Pogues.' Jess's first book for children, Everyday Magic, was published in April 2021. Jess's fourth novel for adults, The Night Ship, will be released in July 2022. Jess is currently developing her own original TV projects with leading UK and international TV producers.

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