A review by clotalksbooks
The Night Ship by Jess Kidd

adventurous challenging dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

Not what I expected. I was hoping for a friendship across time. Instead there were two separate stories, with similarities and differences. 

The writing is haunting. I did find myself having to put it down at points, and didn't have the urge as usual to pick it up again. I just had this sense of dread (well I guess you knew at least one story wasn't going to be a happy one). The beginning felt long, in that there was so much build up and character development I was surprised how little book was left before the real action began. The end, as it sailed towards the final destinations, was very good. The short interweaving chapters, skipping between times was very well done. 

The characters and all their flaws, were very detailed, but as viewed from the young. Some moments were just heartbreaking. A very unusual book, that has made me want to find out more about the Batavia. 

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