Moonfleet

Number me among the many who read this book in grade school back in the late 60's or 70's and the name stuck with me through the years. Later as an adult, I returned to this book to read it anew and experience the magic again. Yes, this is book designed for the younger reader. But as is the case with most well written books, all ages will find something to take away. Treasure Island, Kidnapped etc. are all of the same genre, but what makes Moonfleet unique is the tight identification of the young protagonist John Trenchard and the first person telling which brings the reader into seeing and experiencing it though his eyes. For a book published in 1898 and set in 1757 and following, that youth in the 60's would find it so fascinating and real is a testament to the talent of Falkner. Timeless. Engaging. Intriguing. Fantastic! Did I mention that I like it and recommend it heartily?

Like the earlier reviewer, I remembered this book from many years ago (Grade 8) and over the years a number of scenes stayed with me - but the title morphed in my mind Moon***** whatever, so I could never find it.Finally found it here, ordered and re-read it - it was even better than I remembered. While a little bit "boy's own adventure" young John and Elzevir's story goes quite a bit further than sheer pluck and derring do - having read what life would be like for English prisoners in Batavia, made me appreciate their plight even more! A Fascinating portrait of 18th century real life - rural (isolated) England and it's society, economics and the black market as a survival strategy - great read.

A truly wonderful tale of smugglers and wrong-doing, friendship and sacrifice. This book, which seems to have fallen out of fashion in the last twenty years is as much a classic as Treasure Island or Kidnapped.It rips along at a fantastic pace with fortunes reversing almost page by page. The ending is such a beautiful joining of the circle that it leaves you breathless with admiration for the writer's genius while it moves you to the point of tears with the strength of the writer's story.Though written for children, this book can be enjoyed by anyone over the age of eight and perhaps read to children even younger.

This book hung over me in memory for twenty years or more. It was read to us by my mother when i was 11 or 12; i remembered the story vaguely and the title wrongly. I had tried desultorily to find it over the years, unsuccessfully. Now, having reread it, aloud, to my children, i affirm that this is one of the finest children's adventure stories ever written. It out-treasures "Treasure Island" and any other of the same genre. The sad sacrifice at the end had all three of us in tears as i read it ~ i scarce could make out the words on the page. Elzevir Block is one of children's literature's finest heroes; a most honourable, strong, wise, loveable, faithful, and ~ despite some of his actions ~ good man. John Trenchard, the young protagonist, grows up, learns of life most awfully, and is rewarded with the love of a true woman ~ the daughter of his enemy, the book's first villain. I truly cannot over-recommend this book; it is hard to understand how it could be allowed to fall out of print, and why it is not more widely renowned and suggested by librarians, teachers, & parents.

I happened onto this book by chance 30 years ago. It quickly became one of my prized possessions. After reading it several times, I passed it on to my oldest son and it became his favorite too. Now worn and dog-eared, I recently picked it up again and was once more mesmerized by the adventure tale and the character development. "Classic Adventure" are the only terms I can think of to describe Moonfleet. You will fall in love with this book! It is a shame that it is currently out of print.