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Castaways of the Flying Dutchman #1
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman
A boy and dog trapped aboard the Flying Dutchman, are sent off on an eternal journey by an avenging angel, roaming the earth throughout the centuries in search of those in need. Their travels lead them to Chapelvale, a sleepy nineteenth century village whose existence is at stake. Only by discovering the buried secrets and solving the dust-laden riddles of the ancient village can it be saved.
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
110 people are currently reading
3974 people want to read
About the author
Brian Jacques
257 books4,258 followers Brian Jacques (pronounced 'jakes') was born in Liverpool, England on June 15th, 1939. Along with forty percent of the population of Liverpool, his ancestral roots are in Ireland, County Cork to be exact.
Brian grew up in the area around the Liverpool docks, where he attended St. John's School, an inner city school featuring a playground on its roof. At the age of ten, his very first day at St. John's foreshadowed his future career as an author; given an assignment to write a story about animals, he wrote a short story about a bird who cleaned a crocodile's teeth. Brian's teacher could not, and would not believe that a ten year old could write so well. When young Brian refused to falsely say that he had copied the story, he was caned as "a liar". He had always loved to write, but it was only then that he realized he had a talent for it.
He wrote Redwall for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool, where as a truck driver, he delivered milk. Because of the nature of his first audience, he made his style of writing as descriptive as possible, painting pictures with words so that the schoolchildren could see them in their imaginations. He remained a patron of the school until his death.
Brian lived in Liverpool, where his two grown sons, Marc, a carpenter and bricklayer, and David, a professor of Art and a muralist, still reside. David Jacques' work can be seen in Children's hospitals, soccer stadiums, and trade union offices as far away as Germany, Mexico, and Chile (not to mention Brian's photo featured in most of his books).
Brian also ran a weekly radio show on BBC Radio Merseyside, until October 2006, where he shared his comedy and wit, and played his favourites from the world of opera - he was a veritable expert on The Three Tenors.
When he was wasn't writing, Brian enjoyed walking his dog 'Teddy', a white West Highland Terrier, and completing crossword puzzles. When he found time he read the works of Mario Puzo, Damon Runyon, Richard Condon, Larry McMurty, and P.G. Wodehouse. He was also known to cook an impressive version of his favourite dish, spaghetti and meatballs.
Sadly, Brian passed away on the 5th February 2011.
Brian grew up in the area around the Liverpool docks, where he attended St. John's School, an inner city school featuring a playground on its roof. At the age of ten, his very first day at St. John's foreshadowed his future career as an author; given an assignment to write a story about animals, he wrote a short story about a bird who cleaned a crocodile's teeth. Brian's teacher could not, and would not believe that a ten year old could write so well. When young Brian refused to falsely say that he had copied the story, he was caned as "a liar". He had always loved to write, but it was only then that he realized he had a talent for it.
He wrote Redwall for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool, where as a truck driver, he delivered milk. Because of the nature of his first audience, he made his style of writing as descriptive as possible, painting pictures with words so that the schoolchildren could see them in their imaginations. He remained a patron of the school until his death.
Brian lived in Liverpool, where his two grown sons, Marc, a carpenter and bricklayer, and David, a professor of Art and a muralist, still reside. David Jacques' work can be seen in Children's hospitals, soccer stadiums, and trade union offices as far away as Germany, Mexico, and Chile (not to mention Brian's photo featured in most of his books).
Brian also ran a weekly radio show on BBC Radio Merseyside, until October 2006, where he shared his comedy and wit, and played his favourites from the world of opera - he was a veritable expert on The Three Tenors.
When he was wasn't writing, Brian enjoyed walking his dog 'Teddy', a white West Highland Terrier, and completing crossword puzzles. When he found time he read the works of Mario Puzo, Damon Runyon, Richard Condon, Larry McMurty, and P.G. Wodehouse. He was also known to cook an impressive version of his favourite dish, spaghetti and meatballs.
Sadly, Brian passed away on the 5th February 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
October 23, 2024
Brian Jacques is renowned for his long-running Redwall series of books, but fifteen years after the first installment, he authored an unrelated trilogy, centered on the maritime legend of the Flying Dutchman. A story populated by humans rather than animals, set in our world rather than a fantasy realm, Castaways of the Flying Dutchman follows a mute boy and his dog who (mostly) escape the curse that befalls Captain Philip Vanderdecken and the tormented crew of his ship in the year 1620. The boy has had a rough life ever since his mother married a herring merchant named Bjornsen. The boy's mother died, leaving him vulnerable to Bjornsen's cruel whims until the boy stows away on the Fleiger Hollander, a commercial ship better known as the Flying Dutchman. The boy, given the name "Neb" by the crew, apprentices under the ship's cook, but no one other than Captain Vanderdecken treats him any better than Bjornsen did. Neb's only lucky break is finding a black Labrador dog at a port in Denmark, and Neb smuggles the starving animal onto the Flying Dutchman so he'll have a bit of companionship. Relations between Vanderdecken and his crew perpetually verge on mutiny, but the captain trusts Neb, putting the boy in a bad position with the sailors. Can this voyage possibly end well?
Intrepid as Vanderdecken and his men are, the Flying Dutchman is no match for the raging seas off Cape Horn. Vanderdecken repeatedly tries to navigate them, nearly destroying his ship, but when he dares profane God's name, his doom is sealed. Neb and his Labrador, Den, don't avoid the curse entirely, but the avenging angel spares them the dark side of doing penance. Neb and Den will live forever, but not to roam the oceans aimlessly. Their task is to do good on earth, obeying the angel whenever he tells them to move on. Neb's muteness is healed, and the boy and dog can now communicate with each other telepathically, strengthening their already close friendship. Eternity is a long time to live as a thirteen-year-old boy, never aging, but can Neb make the most of it?
After being mentored by a wise shepherd named Luis on the coast of Tierra del Fuego, Neb and Den wander for a few centuries before finding their way to England in 1896. The angel leads them to the village of Chapelvale, where Ben and Ned—as the boy and his Labrador are now called—are accepted with open arms by people offering something the two vagabonds have rarely felt: affection. Chapelvale's rich history goes back centuries, but a land developer named Obadiah Smithers plans to uproot the village's families and corporatize the area. Winifred Winn, the widow of heroic Captain Rodney Winn, has a claim to much of Chapelvale's land, but lacks the documents to prove it and halt Smithers's encroachment. She graciously provides Ben and Ned a place to stay, and Ben makes friends with a girl his age named Amy and her younger brother Alex, who wish they could protect Chapelvale from Smithers. After finding a clue that teases the possibility of proving Mrs. Winn's ownership of the land, Ben and his new friends embark on a quest to solve the mystery before Chapelvale as they know it is gone. The time will come when the angel requires Ben and Ned to move on, but for now they'll cherish their stay with the people of Chapelvale. Perhaps eternity needn't feel so long if you're surrounded by friends.
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman doesn't measure up to the best Redwall novels. Their exquisitely detailed plots, language, and characterization are almost unique in juvenile literature, true works of art. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman is more cliché and less emotional, but there are parts worth mentioning. One is a piece of advice from Captain Vanderdecken to Neb about managing a ship of aggressive men. "(S)hould the voyage prove risky and the returns valuable, it is wise to sign up your crew from all nations. That way they lack any common bond. A disunited crew is the easiest one to control." A sure way to keep people divided is to discourage a common social fabric, and instead sow resentment so they won't join forces against the real enemy. Crazy as Vanderdecken is, he understands human nature and how to manipulate it. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman isn't one of the author's better books, but the ending is good enough that I'd rate it at least one and a half stars and might consider the full two. What will happen in the next leg of the trilogy? I look forward to finding out.
Intrepid as Vanderdecken and his men are, the Flying Dutchman is no match for the raging seas off Cape Horn. Vanderdecken repeatedly tries to navigate them, nearly destroying his ship, but when he dares profane God's name, his doom is sealed. Neb and his Labrador, Den, don't avoid the curse entirely, but the avenging angel spares them the dark side of doing penance. Neb and Den will live forever, but not to roam the oceans aimlessly. Their task is to do good on earth, obeying the angel whenever he tells them to move on. Neb's muteness is healed, and the boy and dog can now communicate with each other telepathically, strengthening their already close friendship. Eternity is a long time to live as a thirteen-year-old boy, never aging, but can Neb make the most of it?
After being mentored by a wise shepherd named Luis on the coast of Tierra del Fuego, Neb and Den wander for a few centuries before finding their way to England in 1896. The angel leads them to the village of Chapelvale, where Ben and Ned—as the boy and his Labrador are now called—are accepted with open arms by people offering something the two vagabonds have rarely felt: affection. Chapelvale's rich history goes back centuries, but a land developer named Obadiah Smithers plans to uproot the village's families and corporatize the area. Winifred Winn, the widow of heroic Captain Rodney Winn, has a claim to much of Chapelvale's land, but lacks the documents to prove it and halt Smithers's encroachment. She graciously provides Ben and Ned a place to stay, and Ben makes friends with a girl his age named Amy and her younger brother Alex, who wish they could protect Chapelvale from Smithers. After finding a clue that teases the possibility of proving Mrs. Winn's ownership of the land, Ben and his new friends embark on a quest to solve the mystery before Chapelvale as they know it is gone. The time will come when the angel requires Ben and Ned to move on, but for now they'll cherish their stay with the people of Chapelvale. Perhaps eternity needn't feel so long if you're surrounded by friends.
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman doesn't measure up to the best Redwall novels. Their exquisitely detailed plots, language, and characterization are almost unique in juvenile literature, true works of art. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman is more cliché and less emotional, but there are parts worth mentioning. One is a piece of advice from Captain Vanderdecken to Neb about managing a ship of aggressive men. "(S)hould the voyage prove risky and the returns valuable, it is wise to sign up your crew from all nations. That way they lack any common bond. A disunited crew is the easiest one to control." A sure way to keep people divided is to discourage a common social fabric, and instead sow resentment so they won't join forces against the real enemy. Crazy as Vanderdecken is, he understands human nature and how to manipulate it. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman isn't one of the author's better books, but the ending is good enough that I'd rate it at least one and a half stars and might consider the full two. What will happen in the next leg of the trilogy? I look forward to finding out.
September 10, 2010
This book averages out to three stars. I give five starts to the parts actually set on the Flying Dutchman. Brian Jacques' descriptions of shipboard life in the 1600s are both thrilling and terrifying. He's obviously done his research and the book's first few chapters made me want to rush out to the library and grab more books in a similar vein. (Patrick O'Brian's novels are much higher on my to-read list as a result of reading this book.)
I wish I could give five stars to the rest of the novel, too, but I'll have to stick with a mere 2 for the sections set in the rural, English town of Chapelvale. These sections were okay, but weren't nearly as good as the parts set on the ship itself. The Chapelvale characters were a bit one-dimensional and, after awhile, the book's sledge hammer moralizing (use. good. grammar! Read the Bi-ble. Bullying is bad.) just got old.
But The Flying Dutchman isn't a bad book. Jacques' keen ear for dialect is on display, here, and he demonstrates the same eye for detail (both in his descriptions of the physical setting and the personality quirks of his characters) that made the Redwall series great. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman would probably be perfect for younger readers already familiar with Jacques' previous novels.
I wish I could give five stars to the rest of the novel, too, but I'll have to stick with a mere 2 for the sections set in the rural, English town of Chapelvale. These sections were okay, but weren't nearly as good as the parts set on the ship itself. The Chapelvale characters were a bit one-dimensional and, after awhile, the book's sledge hammer moralizing (use. good. grammar! Read the Bi-ble. Bullying is bad.) just got old.
But The Flying Dutchman isn't a bad book. Jacques' keen ear for dialect is on display, here, and he demonstrates the same eye for detail (both in his descriptions of the physical setting and the personality quirks of his characters) that made the Redwall series great. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman would probably be perfect for younger readers already familiar with Jacques' previous novels.
January 11, 2021
This was a reread of a book that had been a favourite when I was younger. While it hasn't held up quite as well as the Redwall books have, it was still a delight to plunge back into the story. The strongest parts of Castaways of the Flying Dutchman are definitely the earlier parts that are set on the ship itself (which is not as much of the book as you might expect), and the research is evident without being overbearing. The characters at this part of the book - with the exception of Ben and Ned - are the richest in the whole book, as those later on do not feel quite as well-rounded, and I love the grittiness of the start. That said, the rest of the book is not bad, as Jacques has an eye for a detail and a talent for storytelling, but it just pales a little in comparison to that first part.
A note on the audiobook - I'm discovering that I particularly enjoy audiobooks that use a cast rather than a single narrator, and this was an excellent example of that and it really brought the characters and narrative to life.
A note on the audiobook - I'm discovering that I particularly enjoy audiobooks that use a cast rather than a single narrator, and this was an excellent example of that and it really brought the characters and narrative to life.
October 1, 2024
Reread. ✨
September 26, 2017
I loved it! Surprisingly, Ben didn't actually spend much time on the Flying Dutchman. And the captain was not Davy Jones like in the Pirates of the Caribbean, he was Vanderdecken, who I have never heard of. Brian Jacques is a great, descriptive writer. If you like riddles, animals, ships or sweet old ladies, this book is for you. And it was kind of religious... I wasn't expecting that. But again, I loved it.
September 9, 2019
Yeah. It was a book 📘📙📗📚📔📑📓📒📕📖📰📜
Lol.
Lol.
February 28, 2024
i might be biased since it’s a dear book from my childhood but i’m fine to give four starts for the general vibes, the kinda surprising displays of trauma symptoms in a (maybe?) children’s book, and warm, friendly characters rooting for each other. a feel good book despite very feel bad start.
April 17, 2025
so nostalgic and exciting at the same time
December 17, 2019
Ahhhhhh, another Brian Jacques masterpiece.
From beginning to end this was an exciting, stirring tale, wrought in wonderful fantasy filled style. I especially loved the references to Biblical things. I do believe that sweet old man is in Heaven.
Main characters:
Neb, who later on, as the centuries roll on, is called Ben.
He is a dear boy with mysterious deep blue eyes, full of courage, perseverance, compassion, and reverence for God.
Denmark, Neb's faithful black labrador retriever, later on called Ned.
Plot:
Amazing, well thought out, my dear Mr. Jacques!!
Where do I begin? How do I describe the complexity and ingenuity of this story's structure?
In 1620, a young, mute boy and a big black dog are trapped on the fearful ship, the FLYING DUTCHMAN.
Captain Vanderdecken, it's owner, is seeking to be the first one to steer his ship round the dangerous Cape Horn in safety.
On the way, however, three of the ship's crew conspire against the Captain to rise up, to take the ship and the valuable emerald that is the captain's unlawfully gained booty.
The mutiny is squelched by the captain, and the ringleader killed by him.
Because Neb warned Vanderdecken of the devious plan, he is moved from galley cook to the captain's personal bodyguard along with his labrador.
Neb is very brave indeed, for being solely around the captain is as dangerous a position as that of being with the rough, ruthless crew.
But God has punishment in store for the evildoers, and a special plan for the mute boy and his canine friend!
Near Cape Horn, Captain Vanderdecken is driven crazy with pride and the thought of being able to steer his ship past the hideous rocks. He crys out against and challenges the wind, the storm, the elements, the Lord- to defy him!
In the eerie green light of St. Elmo's fire, an angel comes down from Heaven, and sets an everlasting curse upon both the ship and its entire crew (alive and dead)- that it may wander the seas aimlessly, always without rest.
But Neb and Denmark are cast off the ship, for they are innocent, and upon a broken spar land upon the shores of Tierra Del Fuego. There the boy finds his voice, and the dog as well can communicate in speech to his friend!
A Spanish shepherd finds the boy and dog, both gaunt and starving, and feeds and clothes their scantily clad freezing limbs with warm sheepskin.
There, among the sheep, Neb and his dog stay awhile, being guided by their angel to do so, and told that they are destined to roam the world-forever young- helping and encouraging people in need.
When the kind benefactor falls off a cliff trying to rescue one of his young ewes, and dies shortly after, the angel guides Neb and Den in dreams to travel on.
The story progresses a few hundred years to the mid 1800s, where they are led to a dear little village in England named Chapelvale.
Many adventures befall Neb, or Ben, and his faithful companion Den, or Ned, as they seek to do good, and fight against evil.
He makes many dear friends, and a few enemies, and follows many old clues to find a deed of the whole village belonging to a sweet old widow- Mrs. Winn.
I loved every minute of it; and listening to the authour narrating it was pure joy for me. Well done, Mr. Jacques and helpers!
From beginning to end this was an exciting, stirring tale, wrought in wonderful fantasy filled style. I especially loved the references to Biblical things. I do believe that sweet old man is in Heaven.
Main characters:
Neb, who later on, as the centuries roll on, is called Ben.
He is a dear boy with mysterious deep blue eyes, full of courage, perseverance, compassion, and reverence for God.
Denmark, Neb's faithful black labrador retriever, later on called Ned.
Plot:
Amazing, well thought out, my dear Mr. Jacques!!
Where do I begin? How do I describe the complexity and ingenuity of this story's structure?
In 1620, a young, mute boy and a big black dog are trapped on the fearful ship, the FLYING DUTCHMAN.
Captain Vanderdecken, it's owner, is seeking to be the first one to steer his ship round the dangerous Cape Horn in safety.
On the way, however, three of the ship's crew conspire against the Captain to rise up, to take the ship and the valuable emerald that is the captain's unlawfully gained booty.
The mutiny is squelched by the captain, and the ringleader killed by him.
Because Neb warned Vanderdecken of the devious plan, he is moved from galley cook to the captain's personal bodyguard along with his labrador.
Neb is very brave indeed, for being solely around the captain is as dangerous a position as that of being with the rough, ruthless crew.
But God has punishment in store for the evildoers, and a special plan for the mute boy and his canine friend!
Near Cape Horn, Captain Vanderdecken is driven crazy with pride and the thought of being able to steer his ship past the hideous rocks. He crys out against and challenges the wind, the storm, the elements, the Lord- to defy him!
In the eerie green light of St. Elmo's fire, an angel comes down from Heaven, and sets an everlasting curse upon both the ship and its entire crew (alive and dead)- that it may wander the seas aimlessly, always without rest.
But Neb and Denmark are cast off the ship, for they are innocent, and upon a broken spar land upon the shores of Tierra Del Fuego. There the boy finds his voice, and the dog as well can communicate in speech to his friend!
A Spanish shepherd finds the boy and dog, both gaunt and starving, and feeds and clothes their scantily clad freezing limbs with warm sheepskin.
There, among the sheep, Neb and his dog stay awhile, being guided by their angel to do so, and told that they are destined to roam the world-forever young- helping and encouraging people in need.
When the kind benefactor falls off a cliff trying to rescue one of his young ewes, and dies shortly after, the angel guides Neb and Den in dreams to travel on.
The story progresses a few hundred years to the mid 1800s, where they are led to a dear little village in England named Chapelvale.
Many adventures befall Neb, or Ben, and his faithful companion Den, or Ned, as they seek to do good, and fight against evil.
He makes many dear friends, and a few enemies, and follows many old clues to find a deed of the whole village belonging to a sweet old widow- Mrs. Winn.
I loved every minute of it; and listening to the authour narrating it was pure joy for me. Well done, Mr. Jacques and helpers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2007
I was very disappointed with this book. My friend had told me about it and it sounded really cool so I got it. I'd never really been into Redwall (the very popular series by this author), but this book is very different than those, so I decided to give it a try, unfortunately it only served to remind me of all the reasons I had never finished a Redwall book.
The story is about a boy and his dog, two unfortunate beings unwillingly taken onto the Flying Dutchman(pre-curse). They are mistreated but remain strong and loyal to each other, and when the captain angers the gods and dooms the entire ship, the boy and his dog are spared because of their innocence. They get the good end of the deal and are immortal like the rest of the crew, but are allowed to leave the ship. Cool idea, right? Too bad it's about the only good thing about the book. The rest of the story is unoriginal and extremely predictable. The writing is mediocre, and the unnatural and forced dialogue makes me cringe. There was so much you could do with this idea, so many interesting stories could come from this young boy and dog who've been alive for hundreds of years, never aging, never able to stay in one place very long and never allowed to get attached to anyone. But the story is so predictable, so uninspired. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and I got attached to none of them, not even the two main characters. It's too bad that such a cool, original idea was so poorly executed.
The story is about a boy and his dog, two unfortunate beings unwillingly taken onto the Flying Dutchman(pre-curse). They are mistreated but remain strong and loyal to each other, and when the captain angers the gods and dooms the entire ship, the boy and his dog are spared because of their innocence. They get the good end of the deal and are immortal like the rest of the crew, but are allowed to leave the ship. Cool idea, right? Too bad it's about the only good thing about the book. The rest of the story is unoriginal and extremely predictable. The writing is mediocre, and the unnatural and forced dialogue makes me cringe. There was so much you could do with this idea, so many interesting stories could come from this young boy and dog who've been alive for hundreds of years, never aging, never able to stay in one place very long and never allowed to get attached to anyone. But the story is so predictable, so uninspired. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and I got attached to none of them, not even the two main characters. It's too bad that such a cool, original idea was so poorly executed.
October 27, 2015
I'm not as blown away by this book as I was by the Redwall series. Maybe it's because I'm reading it as an adult, but maybe it's just not as good.
I was expecting more ocean, more sailing, more boats. That lasted for approximately the first quarter. Then we hit land. It was fine until Ben and Ned moved to Chapelvale. The story grew dull. I mean, treasure hunts are supposed to be exciting, but I got bored. I didn't see the point, either. Ben and Company were trying to find a deed of ownership to save the town, and for some reason the original owner thought it would be fun to send his descendants on a scavenger hunt. If he had kept it locked in a safe place like a normal person, maybe Chapelvale wouldn't have ever been plagued by Smithers in the first place. Just a thought.
I also grew annoyed with the phonetic spelling of the characters' accents. I liked that aspect of Redwall. I skipped whole passages of this book. Overall, not Jacques' best story. We'll see if the sequel redeems it. There are more ships in that one, I hear.
I was expecting more ocean, more sailing, more boats. That lasted for approximately the first quarter. Then we hit land. It was fine until Ben and Ned moved to Chapelvale. The story grew dull. I mean, treasure hunts are supposed to be exciting, but I got bored. I didn't see the point, either. Ben and Company were trying to find a deed of ownership to save the town, and for some reason the original owner thought it would be fun to send his descendants on a scavenger hunt. If he had kept it locked in a safe place like a normal person, maybe Chapelvale wouldn't have ever been plagued by Smithers in the first place. Just a thought.
I also grew annoyed with the phonetic spelling of the characters' accents. I liked that aspect of Redwall. I skipped whole passages of this book. Overall, not Jacques' best story. We'll see if the sequel redeems it. There are more ships in that one, I hear.
October 18, 2010
A mute teenage boy runs away from his abusive stepfather and ends up aboard the Flying Dutchman as a galley boy. The captain and his crew are all evil and greedy men, and when the captain curses God after failing to conquer the seas, an angel descends and curses the ship and the crew to forever sail the seas as an evil undead symbol of God’s wrath for sinners. The boy and his dog are thrown overboard and rescued by the same angel who makes them ageless beings, destined to roam the earth forever, helping and serving their fellow men. The boy and his dog stumble across a small English town that needs their help to resist the takeover of factories. With their help, the town people may be able to solve the mysteries of their old town and ward off the big London businessmen. The boy, Ben, and the dog, Ned, are both lovable characters, and with the exciting plot, adventure, and mysteries, I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book to most audiences.
May 1, 2022
Is this a nostalgia five? Possibly. I regret nothing.
There might be some general envy of the a boy and his dog being able to communicate via their thoughts and save towns from certain destruction. Or just that Jacques writes worlds that the reader wants to be a part of.
The moral of this story might be that we change even when our favorite books don't.
There might be some general envy of the a boy and his dog being able to communicate via their thoughts and save towns from certain destruction. Or just that Jacques writes worlds that the reader wants to be a part of.
The moral of this story might be that we change even when our favorite books don't.
May 21, 2020
This is one of the first books I really fell in love with and read several times over. Definitely preferred to "Redwall."
June 10, 2025
Not nearly as good as the author's Redwall. The book was divided into three parts, only the first of which involved the Flying Dutchman. I was expecting a nautical tale, and that might have been the best of the three sections. The second part was brief and dull; the third was long and dull. It ended up being a treasure hunt, with clues leading to clues, and amazingly, someone just happens to be able to solve the clue so that the hunt could continue. It ended up being fairly predictable. Then there was a whole anti-bullying kind of thread that transformed this into a Very Special Episode in a very heavy-handed earnest way.
Because of the odd lopsided structure, I wasn't sure whether there would be more after the third section. I kept expecting it to wrap up quicker in order that it would be of similar length to the first two sections. The second section probably could have been omitted entirely.
Unfortunately, Jacques can be a very lazy writer - it was disappointing (and possibly disgusting) that virtually every single time that Mr. Braithwaite the librarian was mentioned, we had to get something in about his dandruff shedding. Honestly, even once is too much. But over and over and over - lazy. Am I exaggerating? You be the judge.
"He also had a huge cloud of frizzy grey hair, which he constantly scratched at absentmindedly." (p.108)
"Scratching his head with one hand, whilst brushing dandruff from his collar with the other, he peered at the strange boy with blue eyes." (p.108)
"He stood scratching his frizzy mop in a shaft of sunlight, until he was surrounded by a halo of dandruff." (p.109)
"Mr. Braithwaite emerged from the library, scratching his head." (p.114)
"He scratched his frizzy hair as he peered over his glasses." (p.140)
"Mr. Braithwaite showered dandruff around as he scratched his wiry mop furiously." (p.159)
"Mr. Braithwaite scratched his fuzzy mane." (p.171)
"the librarian stood scratching his wiry mane, dandruff sprinkling like tiny snowflakes on the shoulders of his black scholar’s gown." (p.218)
"The old scholar scratched his frizzy head." (p.219)
"Mr. Braithwaite pored over Mr. Mackay’s map, showering it with dandruff as he scratched his hair in bemusement." (p.219)
"Scratching his head and pointing to himself, the old scholar grinned like a schoolboy." (p.220)
"'Lookit that ole buffer scratchin’ away at ’imself, Winnie. The shoulders of that gown look as if ’e’s been sprinklin’ ’em with talcum powder!'" (p.282)
"Mr. Braithwaite scratched his wiry mop." (p.310)
Ugh - we get it. Even aside from the dandruff thing, it's just lazy descriptive writing to have "fuzzy mane," "wiry mane," "frizzy head," "wiry mop," "frizzy mop," and "frizzy grey hair." Where was the editor?
The full cast narration was mediocre. I enjoy Jacques's narration, but much of the production was overblown and amateurish. I think it made the stereotyped characters even more wooden. Maybe I would have enjoyed the book more in print. Three stars is generous - credit is due for Jacques's spirit and enthusiasm, but I wish someone could have steered him better.
BTW, the book explicitly states that Ben is towheaded - I don't see that in the cover illustration.
Because of the odd lopsided structure, I wasn't sure whether there would be more after the third section. I kept expecting it to wrap up quicker in order that it would be of similar length to the first two sections. The second section probably could have been omitted entirely.
Unfortunately, Jacques can be a very lazy writer - it was disappointing (and possibly disgusting) that virtually every single time that Mr. Braithwaite the librarian was mentioned, we had to get something in about his dandruff shedding. Honestly, even once is too much. But over and over and over - lazy. Am I exaggerating? You be the judge.
"He also had a huge cloud of frizzy grey hair, which he constantly scratched at absentmindedly." (p.108)
"Scratching his head with one hand, whilst brushing dandruff from his collar with the other, he peered at the strange boy with blue eyes." (p.108)
"He stood scratching his frizzy mop in a shaft of sunlight, until he was surrounded by a halo of dandruff." (p.109)
"Mr. Braithwaite emerged from the library, scratching his head." (p.114)
"He scratched his frizzy hair as he peered over his glasses." (p.140)
"Mr. Braithwaite showered dandruff around as he scratched his wiry mop furiously." (p.159)
"Mr. Braithwaite scratched his fuzzy mane." (p.171)
"the librarian stood scratching his wiry mane, dandruff sprinkling like tiny snowflakes on the shoulders of his black scholar’s gown." (p.218)
"The old scholar scratched his frizzy head." (p.219)
"Mr. Braithwaite pored over Mr. Mackay’s map, showering it with dandruff as he scratched his hair in bemusement." (p.219)
"Scratching his head and pointing to himself, the old scholar grinned like a schoolboy." (p.220)
"'Lookit that ole buffer scratchin’ away at ’imself, Winnie. The shoulders of that gown look as if ’e’s been sprinklin’ ’em with talcum powder!'" (p.282)
"Mr. Braithwaite scratched his wiry mop." (p.310)
Ugh - we get it. Even aside from the dandruff thing, it's just lazy descriptive writing to have "fuzzy mane," "wiry mane," "frizzy head," "wiry mop," "frizzy mop," and "frizzy grey hair." Where was the editor?
The full cast narration was mediocre. I enjoy Jacques's narration, but much of the production was overblown and amateurish. I think it made the stereotyped characters even more wooden. Maybe I would have enjoyed the book more in print. Three stars is generous - credit is due for Jacques's spirit and enthusiasm, but I wish someone could have steered him better.
BTW, the book explicitly states that Ben is towheaded - I don't see that in the cover illustration.
March 14, 2024
Around the Globe in 52 Books (11/52)
[Prompt: A Book with a Boat]
[Book Club Nomination]
An incredibly charming and adventurous book, Castaways of the Flying Dutchman follows a young boy and his dog as they essentially act as angels to help people in dire need. It is full of charm, some great humor, fantastically written characters, and overall, has a meloncholic ending to it that just makes it beautifully memorable.
Its been a year since I read Redwall for the first time (unfortunately I missed out on it in my childhood), I was immediately reminded of why I love the way Brian Jacques writes within just the few two chapters of this book. He has such a way with characters and action, that really keeps the pace going, but also, really makes for animated storytelling. His characters literally leap from the page. And he's able to write so many of them in one scene, without you losing track of who's who, because they all have their own distinctive voice. I know Jacques originally started writing stories after reading at a children's hospital, and his books have that very distinctive style of being a campfire storyteller, basically being animated, energetic, and charming. It really shows in his stories and characters.
This book also feels very wholesome, with a very wholesome adventure that spans most of the book as the the duo of Neb and Ben attempt to help a small town called Chapel Vale. Its also wholesome particularly in the relationship between Neb and Ben, the boy and the dog. Its such a great companionship, and both really serve as the protagonist very well. I loved their banter, particularly Ben's Observations of the world and those around him, and I loved how they worked as a team. Jacques also does a great job of having very strong moral characters and lessons through his book. They never feel preachy, but they are there. In Redwall (The first book at least), it teaches the importance of being courageous in spite of overwhelming odds, and the importance of teamwork. Here, in Castaways, Jacques highlights the importance of wisdom and wit, as well as the importance of kindness to others. Neb is a boy afterall, and while he can handle other boys his age, there are certain dangers that are too dangerous or too perilous for a young boy to handle. Yet in those instances, its his wit that comes through.
The theme for this book club nomination (all laid out by my good friend Armando) was 'Books published between 1985 - 2005 that haven't been made into a tv/streaming series yet.' And I could absolutely see this book being made into a tv series. Whether animated or live action, aimed primarily at kids or just family in general, I think this would be a series that could do very well.
Overall, this was a very wholesome adventure filled with some great perils and just fantastically charming, witty, and funny characters to boot. It was a pleasure to read another work by Brian Jacques, and I'm looking forward to diving back into the Redwall series or just reading more of his additional works.
[Prompt: A Book with a Boat]
[Book Club Nomination]
An incredibly charming and adventurous book, Castaways of the Flying Dutchman follows a young boy and his dog as they essentially act as angels to help people in dire need. It is full of charm, some great humor, fantastically written characters, and overall, has a meloncholic ending to it that just makes it beautifully memorable.
Its been a year since I read Redwall for the first time (unfortunately I missed out on it in my childhood), I was immediately reminded of why I love the way Brian Jacques writes within just the few two chapters of this book. He has such a way with characters and action, that really keeps the pace going, but also, really makes for animated storytelling. His characters literally leap from the page. And he's able to write so many of them in one scene, without you losing track of who's who, because they all have their own distinctive voice. I know Jacques originally started writing stories after reading at a children's hospital, and his books have that very distinctive style of being a campfire storyteller, basically being animated, energetic, and charming. It really shows in his stories and characters.
This book also feels very wholesome, with a very wholesome adventure that spans most of the book as the the duo of Neb and Ben attempt to help a small town called Chapel Vale. Its also wholesome particularly in the relationship between Neb and Ben, the boy and the dog. Its such a great companionship, and both really serve as the protagonist very well. I loved their banter, particularly Ben's Observations of the world and those around him, and I loved how they worked as a team. Jacques also does a great job of having very strong moral characters and lessons through his book. They never feel preachy, but they are there. In Redwall (The first book at least), it teaches the importance of being courageous in spite of overwhelming odds, and the importance of teamwork. Here, in Castaways, Jacques highlights the importance of wisdom and wit, as well as the importance of kindness to others. Neb is a boy afterall, and while he can handle other boys his age, there are certain dangers that are too dangerous or too perilous for a young boy to handle. Yet in those instances, its his wit that comes through.
The theme for this book club nomination (all laid out by my good friend Armando) was 'Books published between 1985 - 2005 that haven't been made into a tv/streaming series yet.' And I could absolutely see this book being made into a tv series. Whether animated or live action, aimed primarily at kids or just family in general, I think this would be a series that could do very well.
Overall, this was a very wholesome adventure filled with some great perils and just fantastically charming, witty, and funny characters to boot. It was a pleasure to read another work by Brian Jacques, and I'm looking forward to diving back into the Redwall series or just reading more of his additional works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2020
I picked up this book at a used book store and what a jem it is! I didn't really know what to expect. I have read some of the books from the redwall series and thought this would be a nice read since I like the other series. I absolutely loved the stories and even laughed out loud a couple of times while reading it. The characters are very loveable, especially Den/Ned the dog. The ending made me sad but not in a bad way. I was able to find the second book in the series and can't wait to go on other adventures with Ben and Ned!
September 1, 2020
It was a nice book, but I'd prefer if there was more about the flying Dutchman and its curse.
The two heroes are cursed to forever roam the earth without being able to have the things they desire most, a place to call home with their friends.
It's really a tragic story and I wish there was an ending to the curse
***
"Orphans of the seas, bound through the years to only the Lord knows where. Waiting for the angel's command"
The two heroes are cursed to forever roam the earth without being able to have the things they desire most, a place to call home with their friends.
It's really a tragic story and I wish there was an ending to the curse
***
"Orphans of the seas, bound through the years to only the Lord knows where. Waiting for the angel's command"
August 23, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story is probably written for a younger public but I found it very entertaining. I loved the fact that the story went places I did not expect... I will definitely read other books from this author.
January 3, 2025
Very different from the Redwall series, though it has similar vibes. You can tell it's the same author. It feels disjointed in terms of the plot and pacing, but I still found it an enjoyable story and look forward to continuing the series when I can.
November 28, 2019
What a delightful story.... Brian Jacques is a wonderful storyteller!
December 18, 2022
My favourite book when I was a teen.
February 7, 2025
The end.
Read
June 15, 2017This series is what started my love for stories about immortals.
June 11, 2020
Not quite as beguiling as the Mossflower series but still an enjoyable romp.
May 26, 2024
I thought there was going to be more pirates. Slightly disappointed on that but was still quite an interesting book.
June 7, 2019
A delightful read & imaginative novel, Brian Jacques does not disappoint!
December 3, 2021
Excellent book for teenagers, and older who like reading adventure books for kids.
Scary, in the good Brian Jacques way, not too safe, but reliable, in the good Brian Jacques way, nothing too traumatic happens, and everything is said in a way that makes one feel good about it.
This is a story of the adventures of Neb or Ben and his dog companion Denmark, or Ned.
Neb is a boy without a past. He is mute and was thrown into the sea, and then fished up by the cook of the Flying Dutchman, and named Nebuchadnezzar. Neb feeds a hungry young dog, barely more than a pup, and the youngsters stay together from that time.
The crew of the Flying Dutchman is horrible, and so during a storm, an angel is sent to punish them, and the Flying Dutchman is doomed. Neb and Den are innocent, so the angel rescues them, and gives them a gift - a speech - and a mission - to wander around the world to help victims of horrible people.
In this book, there are two adventures of the boy and the dog. The first one is more of a coming-of-age story, where he is healed from the Flying Dutchman experience. The second one is a mystery, where they are finding clues and treasures. Very nice. :-D
Reminds me of Tordyveln flyger i skymningen.
Scary, in the good Brian Jacques way, not too safe, but reliable, in the good Brian Jacques way, nothing too traumatic happens, and everything is said in a way that makes one feel good about it.
This is a story of the adventures of Neb or Ben and his dog companion Denmark, or Ned.
Neb is a boy without a past. He is mute and was thrown into the sea, and then fished up by the cook of the Flying Dutchman, and named Nebuchadnezzar. Neb feeds a hungry young dog, barely more than a pup, and the youngsters stay together from that time.
The crew of the Flying Dutchman is horrible, and so during a storm, an angel is sent to punish them, and the Flying Dutchman is doomed. Neb and Den are innocent, so the angel rescues them, and gives them a gift - a speech - and a mission - to wander around the world to help victims of horrible people.
In this book, there are two adventures of the boy and the dog. The first one is more of a coming-of-age story, where he is healed from the Flying Dutchman experience. The second one is a mystery, where they are finding clues and treasures. Very nice. :-D
Reminds me of Tordyveln flyger i skymningen.
June 9, 2015
So as I began reading this book, I thought, "Yes! Finally! No more mushy, unrealistic stories! He's mute! He suffers and endures hardship! Death! Yay!" Then they get to shore. Ok he can talk now. He and his dog have some weird Firestorm from DC comics thing going on. The old guy dies, and now they can go off into the world doing all the things we would do if we could live forever! Spend decades learning martial arts in the mountains! Become a doctor only because you have spare time! Become a historian and write down what's happening then publish it in a 1000 years! Right?! Nope. He's going to go to boring towns and save them like an episode of Highway to Heaven. You'd also think that around your 200th birthday, you'd stop acting like a kid. Yes, he's more mature than the average kid, blah blah blah, but so am I and I'm not 200! Also, why did the angel have him look 14? That is such an awkward age to be stuck at forever! Why couldn't he age a year every decade then stop at 25, or something like that? Then, he could do anything.
About two thirds through the book got really boring. I was juggling the dialogues of all these other characters I didn't even know or care about, and they went around solving this mystery that didn't change the book's universe in any way or matter to me. Even if he had to include the boring town and characters and treasure hunt, have the outcome have something to do with the Flying Dutchman or SOMETHING! Oh, we saved the town. Yay. So dumb. This book had a lot of potential. He could have gone to multiple different towns, traveled the world, or done something interesting. As long as it had something to do with the Flying Dutchman! It's called Castaways of the Flying Dutchman, not Michael Landon the Time Lord and Wilfred Go to Chapelvale. There's so much more to complain about, but I have to stop somewhere. I give it 2 stars only because of the chapters that actually took place on the ship and the books potential.
About two thirds through the book got really boring. I was juggling the dialogues of all these other characters I didn't even know or care about, and they went around solving this mystery that didn't change the book's universe in any way or matter to me. Even if he had to include the boring town and characters and treasure hunt, have the outcome have something to do with the Flying Dutchman or SOMETHING! Oh, we saved the town. Yay. So dumb. This book had a lot of potential. He could have gone to multiple different towns, traveled the world, or done something interesting. As long as it had something to do with the Flying Dutchman! It's called Castaways of the Flying Dutchman, not Michael Landon the Time Lord and Wilfred Go to Chapelvale. There's so much more to complain about, but I have to stop somewhere. I give it 2 stars only because of the chapters that actually took place on the ship and the books potential.
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