Serpent Never Sleeps - Softcover

O'Dell, Scott

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0449703282 ISBN 13: 9780449703281

Publisher: Fawcett, 1988

Synopsis

Serena Lynn, age seventeen, turns down an appointment to serve England's King, James I, at court in order to follow her beloved Anthony Foxcroft across the sea to the newly founded colony of Jamestown. But their ship, loaded with much-needed supplies, founders in a hurricane, wrecking Serena and Anthony in Bermuda. By the time they make their way to Jamestown, the colony is in ruins, the people half-starved. Now Serena must go to the Indian princess Pocahontas to plead for the life of the colony -- and of the man she loves!

About this title

About the Author

Scott O"Dell (1898–1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9 Serena Lynn is in love with Anthony Foxcroft, son of the wealthy English countess for whom she works. When Anthony accidentally kills a servant, he must leave the country, and Serena joins him on a boat sailing for Jamestown. The blend of romantic notions and fierce determination allows her to survive Anthony's incarceration aboard ship, a life-threatening sea journey, a shipwreck on Bermuda, Anthony's drowning death, and the early days of harsh life in Jamestown. But without Anthony the new world holds no appeal. In an effort to return to England, Serena volunteers to aid in luring Pocahontas back to Jamestown. The mission begins a special friendship between the two young women and a new and happier life for Serena. Although Serena appears to be a fictional character, other characters and events are historically factual. O'Dell creates a vividly detailed picture of the time period, including the many political power struggles. However, the picture, stretching from England to Bermuda to Jamestown, is very much a panorama. There are so many events and characters portrayed that it will be difficult for readers to feel any sense of involvement with or understanding of the characters. Even Serena's motivations aren't fully examined. It is never clear why she is so taken with the self-absorbed Anthony or why she feels such an affinity for Pocahontas. Despite the lack of focus and the emotional texture found in O'Dell's earlier works, this book is worth reading for the fascinating story and would be a fine supplement to a colonial history lesson. Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, Wis.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fawcett
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0449703282
• ISBN 13: 9780449703281
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192