The Wreck of the Ethie

by Hilary Hyland

Book Overview

In 1919, just before Christmas, the S.S. Ethie sets sail for St. John's Harbor, but a violent winter storm casts the steamship onto the rocky cliffs of northwest Newfoundland, threatening the passengers' survival.

Ninety-two passengers and crew, all eager to be reunited with family for the holidays, are now at the mercy of the stormy sea. Seeing the wrecked ship off the coast, a fishing family sends their dog Skipper, a hardworking and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561451983
• ISBN13: 9781561451982
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
• Length: 115 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Book for Children and Adults

Hilary Hyland has done an incredible job of researching and then fictionalizing this incredible story of a shipwreck of the coast of Newfoundland in a blizzard during December 1919. Her depication of life on the island, as well as the loving relationship between a girl and her dog, offer readers two good reasons to read this book. Hyland tells the tale of Colleen and her dog, Skipper, while drawing the parallel story of a poor Irish boy, Patrick, who works on the SS Ethie. I think many young boys and girls will be able to put themselves in the place of Colleen and Patrick and live this harrowing adventure to the fullest. Since there is a happy ending for everyone, the story can be read by younger children (seven or eight) without fear of nightmares.

Enchanting

What a wonderful story. My daughter and I read to each other and we could hardly put the book down. This is a story that combines history with good old fashioned folk-lore. Ms. Hyland's characters come alive on page one; the Reilly's, Patrick Logan, Captain Flannery and, of course, Fergus. Skipper, what a hero, totally captivates your heart. No, we are not getting a Newfoundland - or so I keep telling myself everyday since we finished this wonderful story. Well done - a story for all ages!

The Wreck of the Ethie

My nine-year-old daughter and I took turns reading this book aloud to each other at bedtime. I became so caught up in the story that I started reading ahead each night after she was asleep -- I couldn't wait until the next day to see what happened! We both loved the characters, especially the brave dog, Skipper. And it was heartwarming to read a story that contains so many people performing brave deeds in a desperate situation. My daughter enjoyed the book so much that she asked me to buy a copy for her class at school so that her friends can read it as well.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

I read many of the books my children select so that we can discuss them. Many are disappointing but the Wreck of the Ethie was thoroughly enjoyable. Hilary Hyland has written a story that you can't put down. Her descriptions of the characters, events and Newfoundland dog are so well done that you feel you are on the shore watching the entire rescue take place. My 9 year old daughter read the book in one sitting and talked about it for days after. Ms. Hyland should be commended for her obviously painstaking research into the story. This kind of wholesome story depicting the good in humanity is what our children should be reading.

The Wreck of the Ethie

Hilary Hyland has written a compelling account of a true story. The hero is a much loved family dog that saves the lives of people ship-wrecked on the SS Ethie. Although this is written for 9-12 year olds I [in the over thirty crowd]found myself totally immersed in it. I was in tears at several points, and couldn't put the book down. I would highly recommend this book for boys, girls,and adults! While enthralled with the story you will unknowingly learn about geography, fishing, shipping, and acts of courage and generosity. Can't wait to have disucssions with my children about the book.