What do you think?
Rate this book
Beyond the Western Sea #2
Lord Kirkle's Money
Maura and Patrick have escaped the desperate poverty and danger of leaving home in Ireland to face even greater peril as they continue their daring voyage to the New World with their friend Laurence Kirkle. Aboard ship, they are crowded into the stench-filled pit of steerage, where they come face to face with illness and death, trying their best comfort and protect eight-year-old Bridy, who has lost both her parents. They find themselves at the mercy of fellow passengers--shady characters like Mr. Shagwell, an American in dire need of cash, and the conniving Mr. Clemspool, who sails first-class with young Mr. Grout, haunted by his criminal past. Ahead lies their future in America, fraught with danger and more crisis than they ever anticipated.
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
10 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Avi
345 books1,720 followersAvi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle,
Nothing but the Truth,
and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 2, 2025
Well there is supposed to be a 3rd book, but never written?
April 1, 2018
"Lord Kirkle's Money" picks right up where "The Escape from Home" left off, and while the Author offers a sort of recap in the first few chapters, it isn't a very good idea to let much time lapse between reading this one and its prequel. But if a Reader is unfortunate enough to do so, Avi's hundreds of characters are not so easily forgotten, and it won't take long to recall the important things from Book One.
This installment offers up a number of new characters along with the old, each one adding a new twist to the storyline, more depth to the overall ambiance of this rich time in history. And there is further improvement in the old characters. Maura is still fairly passive, but Patrick's temper levels out somewhat and whatever scrapes he gets into in this book are not entirely his fault. Laurence, still my favorite, learns better how to stand on his own two feet, as it were, and whatever amount of victimhood he possessed in "The Escape from Home" is well and good nonexistent by the end.
With the reappearance of Mr. Clemspool, Laurence's brother Albert, and the pickpocket who robbed Laurence in London, there is not a dull moment in the book. On top of these villains are Mr. Shagwell, who uses Mr. Clemspool as much as Mr. Clemspool uses him, and Jeremiah Jenkins, who causes no small amount of trouble for the O'Connells and other Irish immigrants. Avi does a spectacular job in tying all of these characters into the fate of the 1,000 pounds Laurence stole from his father; characters that you'd think would have absolutely no connection to it. All in all, a thrilling, richly historical adventure; an absolute triumph.
This installment offers up a number of new characters along with the old, each one adding a new twist to the storyline, more depth to the overall ambiance of this rich time in history. And there is further improvement in the old characters. Maura is still fairly passive, but Patrick's temper levels out somewhat and whatever scrapes he gets into in this book are not entirely his fault. Laurence, still my favorite, learns better how to stand on his own two feet, as it were, and whatever amount of victimhood he possessed in "The Escape from Home" is well and good nonexistent by the end.
With the reappearance of Mr. Clemspool, Laurence's brother Albert, and the pickpocket who robbed Laurence in London, there is not a dull moment in the book. On top of these villains are Mr. Shagwell, who uses Mr. Clemspool as much as Mr. Clemspool uses him, and Jeremiah Jenkins, who causes no small amount of trouble for the O'Connells and other Irish immigrants. Avi does a spectacular job in tying all of these characters into the fate of the 1,000 pounds Laurence stole from his father; characters that you'd think would have absolutely no connection to it. All in all, a thrilling, richly historical adventure; an absolute triumph.
May 20, 2020
Exciting children's historical fiction novel, Book 2 of the series "Beyond the Western Sea." After escaping their impoverished Irish village and boarding a ship to America, 15-year-old Maura and 12-year-old Patrick endured a treacherous sea journey. After landing in Boston, they find out their father has died and board the train to Lowell, Massachusetts to visit his grave. They find enormous prejudice against Irish immigrants and that the villains from Book 1 have followed them to Lowell along with Laurence's brother.
June 1, 2020
What an extraordinary writer! So versatile, always engaging. This book, and it's prequel Escape from Home are Charles Dickens for young people--and as such, wonderful, entertaining reads for old people as well. I imagine they weren't a commercial success, since this was all set for a third volume which was, apparently, not written. A shame. Fascinating history, excellent characters, page-turning plotting.
June 19, 2021
The second half of the Beyond the Western Sea saga. Loved the representation of the prejudice against the Irish during this time period. Well written and engaging middle grade novel that addresses serious issues in an understandable way that isn't cheesy or overly explanatory. My 13 yo listened to bits of it in the car with me and got hooked and just started it herself.
April 29, 2024
An outstanding series by Avi with a Dickensian feel. I also learned a lot about the mills in Lowell, MA and the life of the Irish at this time. Well worth the investment of time in these 2 books. As interesting to adults as to children.
August 14, 2024
Immigration story that was so full of small disasters, it was almost too sad to read. Still, immigration and the hatred the Irish faced are truths. And the same words are used for many other peoples trying to get to America, even today.
September 24, 2017
Avi is such a good author. This book will keep you in suspense throughout the story and end with a 'correct' ending.
December 21, 2017
It, like its prequel was amazing
July 27, 2023
I loved this book and reading the adventures of Maura, Patrick, and Lawrence. Avi does a tremendous job at storytelling.
January 17, 2009
Read this one with a bit of chip on the ole shoulder. I was upset that the first book doesn't really end. The frist book ends with a character hoping he will be let out of a crate. The second book begins not with chapter one but, with chapter 75. This makes book two not a sequel but, a continuation of the frist book. Though it would had made a long book it would of been more honest to publish book one and two together.
The other problem I had with book two is that I was getting tired of the story. Especially as Avi would often go in the head of very unlikeable characters. I especially disliked the handeling of Mr. Drabble who starts out as a fun helpful character, but in book two he becomes a fool and his ending is not too good. The other major disappointment with book two is I thought at last I would come to the end. Book two though ends like there will be a book three.
It might be eye-opening for children on how badly the Irish were treated but, it came across to me as little heavy handed. I was also upset to have spent so much time reading so many pages for a wishy washy ending. I perfer endings that end with a crisp satisfying end like The Count of Monte Cristo, The Last Unicorn, White Fang, Groover's Heart, or A Well Timed Enchantment.
If this book had not be written by Avi I might have given it two stars but, from Avi I expect a whole lot more.
The other problem I had with book two is that I was getting tired of the story. Especially as Avi would often go in the head of very unlikeable characters. I especially disliked the handeling of Mr. Drabble who starts out as a fun helpful character, but in book two he becomes a fool and his ending is not too good. The other major disappointment with book two is I thought at last I would come to the end. Book two though ends like there will be a book three.
It might be eye-opening for children on how badly the Irish were treated but, it came across to me as little heavy handed. I was also upset to have spent so much time reading so many pages for a wishy washy ending. I perfer endings that end with a crisp satisfying end like The Count of Monte Cristo, The Last Unicorn, White Fang, Groover's Heart, or A Well Timed Enchantment.
If this book had not be written by Avi I might have given it two stars but, from Avi I expect a whole lot more.
May 17, 2016
The book plunges into the next chapter after the first book "Escape from Home", and as it had been a couple of years since I read the first book, I could not remember some of the secondary characters and plotlines. I stopped reading, till I found "Escape from Home" in the library, and quickly browsed through it to recall what had happened. before I resumed the second book.
The story is well told, with short chapters focusing on different characters. Many of the characters and storylines from London - the setting of the first book - are left behind, or quickly concluded, as the second book introduces new characters and new problems as Maura, Patrick and Laurence sail across the ocean and land in America.
It is fascinating to read about the challenges of the early settlers. Many of them arrive in a new land on a one-way ticket with nothing but the worn-out rags on their backs. Plus the prejudices and racism that these new arrivals face. It is a world where the smartest and the fittest survive. I can't help thinking I would have been cheated out of my possessions within a day and eventually starve to death if I were in that scenario!
The story is well told, with short chapters focusing on different characters. Many of the characters and storylines from London - the setting of the first book - are left behind, or quickly concluded, as the second book introduces new characters and new problems as Maura, Patrick and Laurence sail across the ocean and land in America.
It is fascinating to read about the challenges of the early settlers. Many of them arrive in a new land on a one-way ticket with nothing but the worn-out rags on their backs. Plus the prejudices and racism that these new arrivals face. It is a world where the smartest and the fittest survive. I can't help thinking I would have been cheated out of my possessions within a day and eventually starve to death if I were in that scenario!
February 4, 2024
The voyage to America is filled with peril. The steerage holds reek with unwashed humanity. Laurence hides himself amongst the cargo at the bottom of the boat, and Patrick helps Laurence at the risk of his own safety. Mr. Clemspool is onboard with the pickpocket, Toby Grout, who stole Laurence’s money back in London. During the passage, they experience a terrible storm, and a shipboard epidemic kills many passengers in steerage. When the Robert Peel lands in Boston, Maura and Patrick devise a scheme to get Laurence off the ship without detection. Once ashore, Laurence travels to Lowell with Mr. Grout and learns that Clemspool stole his money from Grout during the voyage. When Maura and Patrick find out about their father's death, they decide to travel to Lowell, as well. Once there, Patrick and Laurence join forces with family and friends to bring criminals to justice and recover Lord Kirkle’s money once and for all.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
February 7, 2013
A review from my old blog (for the whole series)
I have to say that I was rather disappointed with the series. I guess it comes from reading a ton of other books written in the same era and written poorly.
While these books were not written poorly neither did they sparkle and entertain. I almost know the end outcome of the books before I read more than a few chapters.
Avi also dragged the plot of the books down with too many extraneous characters and subplot lines. For a children's book I had trouble keeping track of who was good and on the side of the main characters and who wasn't.
The book is decent and would most likely give a child a sense of accomplishment for reading a 415 page book (the second in the series). I probably would not recommend it or assign the books for students.
I have to say that I was rather disappointed with the series. I guess it comes from reading a ton of other books written in the same era and written poorly.
While these books were not written poorly neither did they sparkle and entertain. I almost know the end outcome of the books before I read more than a few chapters.
Avi also dragged the plot of the books down with too many extraneous characters and subplot lines. For a children's book I had trouble keeping track of who was good and on the side of the main characters and who wasn't.
The book is decent and would most likely give a child a sense of accomplishment for reading a 415 page book (the second in the series). I probably would not recommend it or assign the books for students.
September 29, 2011
Maura and Patrick have escaped the desperate poverty and danger of leaving home in Ireland to face even greater peril as they continue their daring voyage to the New World with their friend Laurence Kirkle. Aboard ship, they are crowded into the stench-filled pit of steerage, where they come face to face with illness and death, trying their best comfort and protect a small girl whose parents and brother died.
October 4, 2012
I was surprised that even though this was the second in a series, it didn't use the first 3 chapters getting me caught up with what had already happened. It just picked up where it left off. Avi lets you experience the trip across the Atlantic in the 1850's and then see what Boston was like in those times. One conflict was the frustration they had with the Irish immigrants so I thought it was quite timely the way they showed the prejudice felt. Good story.
April 19, 2014
I adore this series. They are not stand alone, and should really just be combined, I read an edition from the library that was two in one. Thank goodness! It flows so well that it's a shame they break it up where they do. Is it so people don't get scared off by the size? I recommend this to all who like historical fiction, this book was so real.
Some language, mainly Jesus, Joseph and Mary.
Some language, mainly Jesus, Joseph and Mary.
December 27, 2008
I learned much about the conditions of Irish immigration. I had no idea prejudice against Irish immigrants was so pernicious and malevolent. A good read for history, adventure, and an exploration into social movements and individual choice.
October 13, 2014
☺☻♥♦♣♠•◘○◙♂♀♪♫☼►◄☺‼¶§▬↨↑↓→←☻↔▲▼!"#$%&'()*+,-./♦23456789♣;<=>?@ABCDEFZ[\]^_`abcdz{|}~⌂ÇéâäàåçêæÆôöòûùÿÖÜùσµτñ±Ä└IM-ñ
alt + 1 = ☺
alt + 2 = ☻
alt + 3 = ♥
alt + 4 = ♦
alt + 987 = █
alt + 0241 = ñ
But you have to use the numbers on the right, not the ones on the top.
alt + 1 = ☺
alt + 2 = ☻
alt + 3 = ♥
alt + 4 = ♦
alt + 987 = █
alt + 0241 = ñ
But you have to use the numbers on the right, not the ones on the top.
July 3, 2012
I enjoyed this book, but it seems like one to only read once. While reading this series of books, I was able to get a very clear image in my mind of what everything looked like.
August 27, 2010
Read "The Escape Home" first, then Lord Kirkle's Money. Nonhistorical fiction book about the irish-american's hardship. Well written.
September 23, 2010
This was a good book, but there was some disappointment with some of the ending. So I can't love this book, although I'm glad I read these two books.
January 19, 2011
Continuation of the saga, one I hope Avi will finish some day.
March 28, 2011
The second half of this adventure was more thralling and I love how all of the characters' lives seem to intersect and entwine together. Six degrees of separation. Action pack with a pow!
August 16, 2011
interesting immigrant trilogy
January 10, 2012
Still love the series. All the comments I made for the first boook in this series apply here. Wonderful, wonderful read, and satisfying ending.
February 25, 2012
book two finds Patrick and his sister, along with Laurence and the rest, in America trying to make their way. but where is lord kirkle's money? What is Laurence's brother doing in America?
August 26, 2012
The book was really good. I really liked the story it self it is the second book in the series the first was really good too didn't rate it because they don't the edition I read.
November 14, 2012
this book was really good and a lot better from the first one.
Read
May 12, 2014Best ever!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews