Mutiny: A Novel of the HMS Bounty

Reader: Luke M
Age: 15
Title: Mutiny: A Novel of the HMS Bounty
Author: John Boyne
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Pub Date: 2008
Galley: Yes
Annotation: When John Turnstile decides to join the crew of the HMS Bounty in order to escape prison, little does he know what awaits him on board the ship. On a mission to the pacific, he learns of loyalty, duty and respect and is soon caught up in one of the most famous mutinies of all time.
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: A historical novel of the mutiny of the Bounty as told by the captain's servant.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I liked how the story really happened and this seemed how it would happen. The treatment Turnstile got and the relationships he had seemed realistic. I also found many of the characters very realistic, especially Mr. Bligh.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book: I thought that some parts of the book got very long, especially the early parts of the book. A lot of John's earlier life could have been skipped. I don't think any captain's servant would have been so close to the captain and that they would probably have mutinied. Mr. Lewis could have been dropped altogether.
Did the cover reflect the contents: The cover was interesting, as the ship looks a lot like the Bounty. The person on the cover looked like John, but I didn't get the writing as John had no journal. Also, the system of using "HMS" wasn't used until 1789 so the Bounty would not be HMS Bounty.
Comments: Note 1-Peter Heywood remained loyal to Mr. Bligh, I don't know how you would be able to change that in the story though. Note 2- A note in the back would be helpful, explaining the fate of the mutineers, that John Jacob Turnstile is made up and any other parts of the true story that were altered (like Mr. Heywood).
Age Range: 16-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal