The Night Ship is a haunting and evocative story based on the shipwreck of the Batavia in 1629 written by Jess Kidd. Released 4th Oct 2022 by Simon & Schuster on their Atria Books imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in third quarter 2023 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a strikingly lush and complex tale told around the alternating timelines of the two lead characters, children, living their lives separated by more than 3 centuries. Based on the actual wreck of the Batavia in 1629, the author also skillfully weaves in imaginative folklore and fantasy from both European and Antipodean tradition.
The prose is often disturbing and brilliant in just about equal measure. Some of the descriptions are difficult; and the overall vibe is -very- melancholy and could be distressing for sensitive readers. Both the central characters are children; both suffering trauma, grief, and death. It's a book that will stay with readers.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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