Farewell to the Island - Softcover

Gloria Whelan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1882376927 ISBN 13: 9781882376926

Publisher: Thunder Bay Press, 2004

Synopsis

The year is 1816, and the war between England and the United States has come to an end. Once again the American flag flies proudly over the remote island of Mackinac, which Mary O'Shea calls home. Now for the first time in her life, Mary is leaving that island - traveling to London to visit her sister Angelique. During her voyage on the British frigate Comfort, which will carry her from New York to London, Mary does her best to be of assistance. Although the captain does not appreciate her efforts, she captures the eye of a young midshipman named James Lindsay. Upon her arrival in England, Mary finds herself swept up into society - and learns that James is none other than Lord Lindsay, son of the Duke of Oakbridge. As the two tour London together, their fondness for each other grows. Soon Mary finds herself facing the most difficult decision of her life. Can she give up her island for a life in London society with James? Or does her heart belong back on Mackinac, surrounded by the land and people she loves? With masterful storytelling, accurate historical detail, and a charismatic protagonist, critically-acclaimed author Gloria Whelan presents a captivating sequel to her 1996 Great Lakes Book Award winner Once On This Island.

About this title

About the Author:

Gloria Whelan is a poet, novelist, and award-winning short story writer. Her many books for children include Hannah; The Secret Keeper; Goodbye, Vietnam; Once On This Island; Return tot he Island; Friends; and Pathless Woods.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6-Mary O'Shea, first introduced in Once on This Island (HarperCollins, 1995), leaves Michilmackinac in 1816 to visit her sister and brother-in-law in London. En route, she meets the dashing and handsome James Lindsay, a midshipman and painter on the ship who is really a duke. They fall in love, and Mary is torn between marrying him and beginning a new life in England, or returning to America to her father and the island farm she has loved all her life. Strong feelings for one's family heritage are clearly evoked through the heroine's first-person narrative. Mary is an independent and courageous character, especially on her voyage to England, where she proves herself to be an excellent sailor. Vivid descriptions of Michilmackinac and its simple beauty juxtaposed with crowded, cosmopolitan England create a strong sense of both locales. Mary's hard-working existence on her farm is also juxtaposed with the rigors of tradition and proper behavior in English society. Adventure, romance, and history blend nicely to create a well-rounded story that cries for yet another sequel.
Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thunder Bay Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1882376927
• ISBN 13: 9781882376926
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200