Castaways of the Flying Dutchman

Written by Brian Jacques

Narrated by Brian Jacques and a full cast

Author of the beloved Redwall series, Brian Jacques is one of the most popular fantasy authors in the world, with over forty million books in print. This New York Times best-seller will impress listeners with its original twist on the legend of the ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman. The Flying Dutchman is cursed to sail the seven seas for all eternity without rest. The two innocent castaways, a young mute boy named Neb and his dog, Denmark, are washed overboard from the hoary yacht and end up on the seashore of a cozy, yet endangered English village. With the help of the townsfolk, Neb and Denmark solve riddles and search for the buried secrets that can save the village and its people. A brilliant departure from the Redwall series, this novel will undoubtedly satisfy longtime Jacques fans and newcomers alike. This audiobook features a wonderful narration by the author and a full cast at the BBC studios. He combines ample measures of suspense, fantasy, and mystery, of poetry and great poignancy, and the emotional impact is powerful and unforgettable. --Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Medal-winning author

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 4, 2008
• ISBN: 9781440796319

Reviews for Castaways of the Flying Dutchman

[hhs1students · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed by Renee (Class of 2011)This book is so captivating! A boy and his faithful dog bound together for eternity doing good. This story is a roller coaster of emotion and suspense. Once you pick it up you can't put it down. Read the other two books in this series. Ask the media center librarian for these books.

[Courtney Siebring · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I tell myself stories about it, it is so good.

[richiespicks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Richie's Picks: CASTAWAYS OF THE FLYING DUTCHMAN by Brian Jacques, Philomel, March 2001 An orphan in 1620 escapes enslavement at the hands of his stepbrothers when he falls into the harbor and ends up on the legendary soon-to-be ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman. Along with the faithful black Labrador he adopts, the boy is saved from the fate of the scoundrels on the ship when he is washed overboard. Washed up on Tierra del Fuego, the boy and the dog begin a series of adventures around the world to the benefit of those good souls with whom they come in contact. Filled with the excitement of Jacques' strorytelling style, but moving me to the extent that the Redwall books never did, I believe this to be the finest thing he's written

[katekf_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this intriguing book, Brian Jacques wonders what really happened to create the legend of the Flying Dutchman. The story follows a boy who is caught up in Holland by the ship and finds himself following an unexpected course. I don't want to spoil the story only to say that this is as good a read as any of Jacques' Redwall books with adventure, riddles and friendship. It reminded me of Victorian stories of the supernatural such as MacDonald's or Poe's, which was a treat. This is a book that would appeal to middle school readers and above with its exciting story and sympathetic cast.

[aprilbrown_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What ages would I recommend it too? – Twelve and up.

Length? – A few day’s read.

Characters? – Memorable, several characters.

Setting? – Historically, throughout the world.

Written approximately? – 2001.

Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more. I'd enjoy all the stories alluded to between the second and third story in the novel.

Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.

Short storyline: The first short story is a vivid dramatic tale that shares the fate of the Flying Dutchman ship. The second short story shares Ned and Den's first simple "case". They both learn what it's like to have someone care them, and learn the ways they can care for others. By the time the novella begins, an additional several hundred years have passed, and Ned and Den have changed their names for an unknown reason. Perhaps breaking with the fear of those early days. They have now learned how to help others learn to stand strong against bullies and stand on their own two feet.

Notes for the reader: This book is a setup of two short stories followed by a novella. In many ways, this novel reaches out and tells it like it is about bullies. I don't remember the exact page, or exact line. As the author says, 'ignoring the bully only goaded him on.' Standing tall, and believing in ourselves to keep our own towns and villages from being overrun is the overreaching theme of the novella. The short stories are more for fun and entertainment.

[lordroe_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is aimed at young readers, similar to Jacques other books, namely Redwall. That being said, this was one of my favorite books of my young life. It has fairly good morals, a good story, and gripping characters without getting too in-depth or philisophical that a young reader can't enjoy it. Older readers may still get some enjoyment out of it, but likely not as much as younger readers, as the story is fairly light-handed compared to most adult novels. Its length is a bit disappointing, however, as only one very specific time in his post-dutchman years is encapsulated - more would have been welcome.

[jcsoblonde · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful book! I could not put it down! There are two more in the series now; 'The Angel's Command', and 'Voyage of Slaves'. I want to get them all!

[Faith S · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was and amazingly gripping tale of a shipwrecked boy and his dog, who, by command of an angel from the Lord, are destined to roam around the world for eternity- ever young- to help those in need and distress. Many adventures befall Neb, or Ben, and his faithful companion Den, or Ned, as they seek to do good, and fight against evil. I loved every minute of it; and listening to the authour narrating it was pure joy for me. Well done, Mr. Jacques and helpers!

[timothyl33 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the author of the famed Redwall series, Brian Jacques brings us a new story that's not of medieval animals, but just as exciting.

[schufman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While the target audience is definitely pre-teen/tween, it was a fun story. Took a different direction than I expected — rather than really being about the Flying Dutchman, the Flying Dutchman was the setup for the characters and their unusual lives. The sections seemed like slightly-jagged puzzle pieces, which didn't fit together exactly right — but it was close enough. Fun and short.

[mwohlfrom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was different than the other Brian Jacques books. It allowed us to get into a different world.

[cretius-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my faves.

[cowe0502 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this was one of the best books I have ever read in my life, its about this boy and his black lab who run away on and accidently gone on the legandary gost ship, the flying duchman. this is an book has action, adventure, lauther, and mystery