Review of 'Castaways of the Flying Dutchman' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
What ages would I recommend it too? – Twelve and up.
Length? – A few day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Historically, throughout the world.
Written approximately? – 2001.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more. I'd enjoy all the stories alluded to between the second and third story in the novel.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.
Short storyline: The first short story is a vivid dramatic tale that shares the fate of the Flying Dutchman ship. The second short story shares Ned and Den's first simple "case". They both learn what it's like to have someone care them, and learn the ways they can care for others. By the time the novella begins, an additional several hundred years have passed, and Ned and Den have changed their names for an unknown reason. Perhaps breaking with the fear of those early days. They have now learned how to help others learn to stand strong against bullies and stand on their own two feet.
Notes for the reader: This book is a setup of two short stories followed by a novella. In many ways, this novel reaches out and tells it like it is about bullies. I don't remember the exact page, or exact line. As the author says, 'ignoring the bully only goaded him on.' Standing tall, and believing in ourselves to keep our own towns and villages from being overrun is the overreaching theme of the novella. The short stories are more for fun and entertainment.