Another wonderful book! Saved at Sea by Mrs. Walton is a sweet story about a young boy, Alick, and his grandfather who live with one other family on an island off the coast of England. Grandfather’s job is to care for the lighthouse and keep the lamps lit, with the help of Jem, the father of the other family. Alick tells of the misfortunes and blessings that come to that lonely little island when he was about twelve years old. The story starts, as they so often do when set near the sea, with a terrible storm and a shipwreck. Will his father ever return? Will someone try to take their little “sunbeam” away? And what ever does it mean to “build on the Rock?”
Saved at Sea is a somewhat unusual story because it lacks a human antagonist. That allows it to be a sweeter story than most since there are no nasty characters. However, because this book includes two instances of parents dying tragically, it might not be suitable for some children. It seems to have been written for children, though, because the message is clear, the wording relatively simple (without being boring to adults), and it is centered around a twelve-year-old. Besides that, it is quite short. I found it to be a very quick read because the plot and the short chapters encouraged me to “read just one more!” The next time I want a cheery little story I think I will probably return to Saved at Sea.
Title: Saved at Sea: A Lighthouse Story
Author: Mrs. O.F. Walton
Setting: England
Main Character: Alick Fergusson
First Printed: 1879
This Printing: 2007
Pub: Lamplighter Publishing
Series: Rare Collector’s Series
ISBN: 1-58474-131-7
Chapters: 12
Pages: 119
Pages/Chapter: ~ 10
Additional Stories: None
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