The Little Ship

by Margaret Mayhew

In this title, five children grow up before the war, and meet again at the rescue of Dunkirk.

Genres: World War II, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Margaret Mayhew was born in London and her earliest childhood memories were of the London Blitz. She began writing in her mid-thirties and had her first novel published in 1976. She is married to American aviation author, Philip Kaplan, and lives in Gloucestershire.

Reviews

[Jill Rowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story about true grit!

I was so sorry when I came to the end of this epic story, I was 4 at the time when this all happened, and even at that age I was mesmerised at the sheer bravery and grit of all of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and civilians. A really wonderful story that brought to life those turbulent times! We did not finish paying off our war loans debt until this century, but, thank God, we did win through in the end, with great help from all our commonwealth allies and the good old US of A.

[Tim Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Story Of Unlikely Friends And The Miracle Of Dunkirk

An excellent tale of historical fiction. This is a story of five teens from very different backgrounds who are drawn together somewhat unwillingly in the mid-1930s, and of an old boat that was part of all their lives. Though separated by the outbreak of war, they are brought together one final time at the miracle of Dunkirk.

[Stephen F. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel look dc WW2

I Loved the story and characters in this book. The star is the little ship and their role in the Dunkirk exodus. I learned a lot about the many small
a nd large craft evacuating people as the Germans advanced. One of the e best books by this writer, highly recommended.

[Sandra Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. I was born at the end of the war when I read about the 1st & 2nd World War I am filled with admiration for people who went through either war. It was amazing way people pulled together.

[Jan Luoma · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read by this author. I could not put it down, nor did I want it to end! I cannot recommend it enough. Be prepared for strong emotions and the tears to flow.

Beautifully written.

[Lynn Flannery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the historical facts in her books and this one about Dunkirk was the same. Excellent. I did find the story a little bit weak but still enjoyable,

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Towards the end, I couldn’t put it down.

[Paige Slater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start but overall very good book

[Chris Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully researched and written. And the reader is kept guessing until the final chapter - who is this stranger who wishes to buy the boat and what happens to the principal characters?

[ann betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Ship

I love Margarite Mathews books. They are always well written and the stories of War time England are always very interesting .

[Eva-Lynne Leibman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little ship, big heart

The character development throughout was beautiful. We got to know them well, and care about each of them. the story brought history to life.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amazing Rose

They were all heroes..The Little boats that came to the rescue of all the soldiers..And Lizzie..Matt.Guy and Anna..Will never be forgotten

[Justine Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, I'll be honest it was sat on my bookshelf waiting to be read for quite a long time. I'm so glad I chose to read it.

[Miki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictionalized account of one of the small boats involved in the rescue of the BEF at Dunkirk. In spite of an over reliance on coincidence, it's well worth reading.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books by Mayhew.

If you like stories of world wars, these books are for you. They give facts and yet love stories combined with heartfelt happenings.

[Helen Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I missed it, but you don't know who's telling the story until the end. Kinda cool.

[Darmie O-Lujon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing well written novel. A good move from the future to the past. I just didn't like that Elizabeth had to die and lived a lonely life. But I think it was this good twist that keep the story in my memory. The Little Ship is a good book.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family saga, read like a children's books, but gentle and touching. Local history connection could have been more prominent, but nonetheless it was good to share the imagination of what it was like in Ramsgate when the little ships returned from Dunkirk.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young adult book tells the story of five young people who lives intersect and diverge in pre-World War II England. I found it very readable and interesting.