Stowaway

British-born playwright, lyricist, and actor David Cale is an impressive choice as narrator of Karen Hesse's extended sea adventure. When 11-year-old Nicholas Young makes his escape from an abusive butcher in London, he climbs aboard the H.M.S. ENDEAVOR, captained by the legendary James Cook. Nick ultimately becomes a member of the crew on their three-year journey to discover the unknown Southern continent. While the journal format of the novel precludes character voicing, Cale manages a wonderfully consistent and believable Nick. His charming British accent delights while his flawless pacing accentuates Nick's wry humor and frequent incredulity. Highly recommended for family listening. T.B. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

October 30, 2000
Listeners set sail with 11-year-old Nicholas Young, a stowaway aboard Captain Cook's ship Endeavour, in this solid audiobook version of Hesse's period adventure. In a pleasant English accent, Cale smoothly reads the pages of Young's journal, chronicling a dangerous 1768-1771 voyage from England to an area south of New Zealand where Cook and his crew searched for a new continent. Despite his gaining passage illegally, Nick proves a worthy ship hand to Cook and his crew of 80-plus men, rising through the ranks to become the ship surgeon's assistant. Through Nick's innocent eyes, listeners explore exotic terrain, experience day-to-day life among seamen and face life-or-death situations generated by the unpredictable nature of weather, wind and water. Upon returning to England, after most of the crew has been lost to a typhoid breakout, Nick is emboldened, ready to face the difficult circumstances he first sought to escape by stowing away. The tone of discovery in Cale's voice buoys the proceedings, keeping listeners rapt. An afterword provides historical information about the real Nicholas Young and the Endeavour (though the recording does not include the handy glossary and ship's crew list and itinerary that are provided in the book). Ages 10-up.