The Young Wrecker on the Florida Reef

by Richard Meade Bache

A fifteen-year-old boy from New York, in 1839, finds himself thrust into a sea-going adventure in the Florida Keys. A popular book when first published in 1869, The Young Wrecker offers a wonderful depiction of nineteenth-century life in South Florida and in Key West.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published September 12, 2013

Reviews

[Katie]

The imagery was well done, and the author clearly had a deep respect for Florida wildlife and natural beauty. The plot was a little too easy, with everything working out and no acknowledgment of some of the deeply traumatic things that occurred. Read more like an account of fishing and hunting in 1830s Florida than a novel, but for a book written in the 1860s, it was a surprisingly simple easy read. Definitely a product of its time, and I understand its lack of lasting power. Great read after visiting Key West though. The book really brings the untouched natural wonder of the Keys to life. 4.5/5 stars

[Barbara]

Wonderful old narrative of the Florida keys, ships, and natural sciences. Quite an enjoyable read.

[Dad]

A lot of fun, particularly for those visiting the Florida Keys!