The Wreck of the Zanzibar

A short and simple story set, like the author's Why the Whales Came, in the Scilly Isles (on Bryher) in the early 20th century, but unlike that book, this has a more basic plot and seems more focused specifically on younger children. As a lover of the Scilly Isles, where I am about to go on holiday for the third year running, I enjoyed it superficially for the feel of the simple way of life, with its opportunities and dangers, that the islanders enjoy, but it lacks the impact of the other book.

Fourteen year old Laura Perryman and her family have always lived on Bryher, a tiny island amongst the Isles of Scilly. Her family consists of twin brother Billy, her mother and father, and her Granny May. Their four cows keep the entire population of the island supplied with milk. One day the ship 'General Lee' calls at St Mary's for repairs and Billy runs away to sea without telling his parents. Laura is devastated. Then bad weather devastates the island and the family lose their only source of income, the cows. They will have to leave the island, along with many other families. Before they can leave a fierce storm occurs and a ship is seen foundering. The brave men of Bryher launch their gig amongst gigantic waves to rescue show more shipwrecked sailors along with their cargo and everything changes.

Another well told tale from Morpurgo. show less

I think I tried to read this story once before, and failed. But going back to it again it was an enjoyable read! It only took an hour or so to read, so it was a nice short story.

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