Published in 1969 to great acclaim, The Cay was inspired by a true life story of an 11-yr-old boy who had been aboard the Dutch ship, Hato, when it was torpedoed in 1942. He drifted away on a liferaft and was never heard of again. The Cay, which is beautifully written, is set in the Caribbean during WW11 and charts the story of Phillip, an American boy, who becomes stranded and blinded on a desert island and must learn to overcome his fears and prejudices in order to learn to trust and survive. In today's classroom, some students of African parentage are quick to take offense at any novel which has throwbacks to historical racism (To kill a Mockingbird being a good example) but The Cay shows Phillip overcoming his racist attitude and becoming a better person because of his island friend,Timothy. These classics, which deal with the issue of racism are excellent tools for today's classroom, and teachers should not be put off by students' complaints when the book in question is clearly speaking out AGAINST racism.
Verdict: suitable for study at Junior level.
Wonderful book which I think all kids at this junior level age should read.
Sarah M., teacher and parent, Co. Meath
Great story. Similar to Morpurgo's Kensuke's Kingdom. My boys enjoyed this story a lot.
James F, Co. Sligo
I was asked to review this book because my family come from Nigeria. I do not find this book offensive and I think it shows up and speaks against racism.
Ola O, Co. Louth