Review: A refreshing and exciting work of historical fiction. Very enjoyable and unique!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 22, 2013
I picked this one up on the recommendation of a friend who is very much a lover of historical fiction like myself. It was my first experience reading this author's work, and overall I enjoyed the story. It showed similarities to other great historical fiction novels I've enjoyed, and I really was able to get into this one and keep reading.The story follows the life of Alfred Wellers, the son of a very influential man in Amsterdam in the 1600s- a time period that covered the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam is seeking to become a capitalist 'powerhouse' complete with powerful bankers and men in power who were only out for their own monetary prosperity. For many readers, this will parallel to some extent (or a lot, depending on your own view of things) the situation in America and other modern day capitalistic societies. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story, and it provided excitement to move the novel along.In search of an elusive and lucrative trade route from the Dutch Empire to the new world, Alfred's father is involved in an expedition on a ship called the Half Moon. Alfred's sense of adventure 'betrays' his family's efforts to mold him into a businessman like his father, and he decides to stow away upon the ship. The adventure that follows is fantastic, and is a wonderful mix of history, Alfred's own coming of age issues, and exciting events. Alfred eventually acts as the ship's interpreter, and has a unique view since he can understand both the Dutch sailors and the English-speaking captain.The adventure presents many nautical dangers such as navigating around ice and rumors of mutiny among the crew. These elements provide suspense and drive the story along.  I personally enjoy reading about nautical voyages, so this novel really spoke to me. The crew also interacts with native societies, sometimes menacingly, and this both is interesting and reflects many real-life incidents of the past. Alfred also has to stray away from the hostile ship and rough it out a little in the wilderness. Bascially, this novel provides a little bit of 'something for everyone' as far as realistic adventures go.As for what else happens to our main character, you'll just have to read and find out for yourself! Will he survive mutinous sailors, hostile natives, and the harsh forces of the wildness? Will he return to Amsterdam, or does a new destiny await him? Only a journey through the pages of this novel will reveal the answers.Although the writing can be a little simplistic and uninspired at times, this novel checks out and the quality is good. It is an exciting and inventive story that has a life of its own. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of the story, and I must say it went a way different direction than I expected-which is very refreshing! The flow of events,exciting characters, and foreshadowing far outweigh the few parts that drag on a bit too long. The price is great for a novel of its magnitude and it provides plenty of enjoyment for lovers of a good read. This book is only the first in large series, and I look forward to checking out other works from author Jerry Beller.