Book Review - Of Boys and Boats By Ian Trevaskis

   

Of Boys and Boats

By Ian Trevaskis

My Review:

Of Boys and Boats is a fictitious story that includes historically accurate themes including the 1956 Olympics, WW1 horrors and a lesson in sailboats, all wrapped up in the lives of four young friends from different backgrounds.

Jack and his friends are looking forward to the 1956 Olympic games. What begins as a fun, nightly torch relay event soon unfolds into a task of enormous proportions. Jack befriends a disfigured war veteran, Mick, who agrees to the unfinished sailboat in his garage being completed. Unfortunately for Jack and his friends, the town bully and his gang have other ideas for them. It is an enjoyable read with loveable characters and plenty of action that doesn't stop right up until the very end.

Trevaskis includes historically accurate information in a way that melts easily into the story line. Of particular enjoyment is the setting of Geelong, my home town! The story unfolds mostly from Jack's POV, but includes chapters from Mick, where we learn about the devastating impact war had on him and why he lives such a reclusive life. The strength of the writing is presented in the description and captivating friendships created throughout the story. Along with the unspoken message of love, hope and acceptance.

Strongly recommend you read this YA fiction if you enjoy stories of adventure, friendship and resilience.

From the publisher FORD STREET PUBLISHING 

It is 1956 – the year the Olympic Games came to Melbourne. Jack Spiller and his mates are caught up in the excitement, running their own torch relay around the block each night while the Olympic Torch travels to Melbourne.

When Jack and the new kid, Heinrich, discover an unfinished sailboat in the shed of recluse ‘Mad’ Mick Metcalf, Jack’s focus changes. Can he convince Mick to allow them to finish it? Or has the old man been too damaged by the horrors of World War One?

A fast-paced, humorous story about the power of friendship.

You can check out my other reviews at GOODREADS

Of boys and boats by Ian Trevaskis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Of Boys and Boats is a fictitious story that includes historically accurate themes including the 1956 Olympics, WW1 horrors and a lesson in sailboats, all wrapped up in the lives of four young friends from different backgrounds.

Jack and his friends are looking forward to the 1956 Olympic games. What begins as a fun, nightly torch relay event soon unfolds into a task of enormous proportions. Jack befriends a disfigured war veteran, Mick, who agrees to the unfinished sailboat in his garage being completed. Unfortunately for Jack and his friends, the town bully and his gang have other ideas for them. It is an enjoyable read with loveable characters and plenty of action that doesn't stop right up until the very end.

Trevaskis includes historically accurate information in a way that melts easily into the story line. Of particular enjoyment is the setting of Geelong, my home town! The story unfolds mostly from Jack's POV, but includes chapters from Mick, where we learn about the devastating impact war had on him and why he lives such a reclusive life. The strength of the writing is presented in the description and captivating friendships created throughout the story. Along with the unspoken message of love, hope and acceptance.

Strongly recommend you read this YA fiction if you enjoy stories of adventure, friendship and resilience.

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