Product Description

Maura O'Connell, 15, and her brother, Patrick, 12, escape Ireland's brutal poverty with only the belongings in their bundles and tickets for ocean passage. Sir Laurence Kirkle, 11, flees a life of privilege to seek justice. When fate brings them ogether, the three join forces in a daring scheme that may lead to freedom and glory...or dire consequences.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #208145 in Books
• Published on: 1997-10-01
• Released on: 1997-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Devotees of historical novels will quickly become absorbed in this drama set in 19th-century England, about the misadventures of an Irish peasant and the young son of an English lord who cross paths before boarding a ship bound for America. The biting irony present in Avi's contemporary novels (Nothing but the Truth; City of Light, City of Dark) surfaces here in portrayals of the sharp contrasts between the upper and lower classes. Although the plot does tend to meander (the emigrants do not actually set sail until the last few pages), the author provides so many enticing side attractions in the form of unsavory villains and extraordinary twists of fate that readers will stay hooked. Full of tongue-in-cheek contrivances, this voluminous, Dickensian- style novel offers surprises around every corner. Fittingly, the book ends in medias res, so readers must await the September '96 publication of the second, and final, installment, Lord Kirkle's Money, to discover the destinies of Patrick and Laurence, the two unlikely traveling companions. Ages 11-14.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9?A suspense-filled adventure. Among the masses abandoning their Irish homes to escape famine, disease, and poverty in 1851 are 12-year-old Patrick and his older sister, Maura, who are joining their father in America. As they pass through the port city of Liverpool, they join an assortment of England's own unfortunates and malcontents. Among them is 11-year-old Laurence, penniless and hopelessly confused, who regrets having fled his wealthy home in London in a fit of rage. Patrick and Laurence meet only briefly, but long enough to seal their fate. As the dank, dirty back alleys of Liverpool come alive through the struggles of the three children, the scenes shift rapidly, challenging readers to keep track of a tangle of Dickensian characters ranging from the misguided to the malevolent. At its best, this book resembles Avi's much loved The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (Orchard, 1990), but is far weaker in character development and focus. The paradox of a fine novel is that it satisfies completely yet leaves readers thirsting for more. The clear intention of this book, however, is to introduce a two-part series. It is an engrossing read, worthy of purchase, but only if you fully intend to go for the yet-to-be-published sequel. Michael Morpurgo's well-done Twist of Gold (Viking, 1993; o.p.) covers strikingly similar territory for an only slightly younger audience.?Margaret Cole, Oceanside Library, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 6^-10. Avi's last historical novel, The Barn (1994), was a spare story about a boy at home. Nothing could be more different than this pulsing 1850s emigrant adventure (at 300 pages, it's only book 1), packed with action and with a huge cast of villains and heroes. The first chapter grabs you: poor Irish peasants Maura O'Connell, 15, and her brother, Patrick, 12, see their home destroyed. They leave for Liverpool to board a ship for America. Their father has sent money from New York, but their mother is too broken to go, and they must make the journey alone. Interwoven with their story is that of their English landlord's son, 11-year-old Sir Laurence Kirkle, who, hotly pursued by friend and foe, has run away from his unhappy home. Although the historical research is never obtrusive, there's an authentic sense of the Liverpool dockside slums, with the desperate pressed together in a foul, teeming hell. The young lord's story is not as compelling as that of the O'Connells, especially since it's not easy to keep straight which schemer is pursuing him and why, but every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, and the suspense builds as they all converge on the same ship sailing for America. At the climax, Laurence is a stowaway in deadly danger. Great for reading aloud, the vivid scenes and larger-than-life characters also lend themselves to readers' theater. The comedy is both grotesque and sinister. As in Dickens' works, coincidence is not just a plot surprise but a revelation that those who appear to be far apart--the powerful and the "failures" --are, in fact, intimately connected. Now we have to wait for book 2. Hazel Rochman

Customer Reviews

This is a great historical fiction book, better than most!
I just finished reading this book, and am impatiently waiting for the next book to come in at the library. It was about the hardships Irish children go through, just to get on the ship to America. I especially liked how it was almost two stories in one, with the rich English boy, Lawrence, and the two poor Irish kids, Maura and Patrick going back and forth between the two. My advice is that you buy both Thsi book and the second one, because once you read this one, even overnight shipping will not get this book to you fast enough. Over all, it was one of the best books I've read.

Beyond the Western Sea Book 1: Escape From Home
Title: Beyond the Western Sea Book One "Escape from Home" Author: Avi # of Pages: 293

Beyond the Western Sea is a book full of suspense. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good book. There are many twists and turns from start to end, along with a very suspenseful ending making you want to read on. Beyond the Western Sea is the story of two young boys. Patrick O'Connell comes from a poor family in a small community. He lives with his mother and sister, Maura. Mr. O'Connell has been away for a year in America seeking a fortune, and promising to send for his family once he becomes rich. Patrick, Maura, and Mrs. O'Connell finally receive notice that their father is alive and rich. Lawrence Kirkle has a completely different situation. He comes from one of the richest families in London. Lawrence decides to run away to get away from his older brother who takes advantage of seniority. On his way, Lawrence manages to steal a 1,000 dollar bank note from his fathers desk. A chase begins in the port city of Liverpool with many surprises. Both boys eventually meet in Liverpool and help each other during their times of need. This book shows the different aspects of both boy's adventure. From "runners" to blackmail this book is a great story of adventure during the early years of America. Beyond the Western Sea is continued in an exciting sequel called Lord Kirkle's Money.

A Very Educational and Exciting Book
Avi has written several classics, such as the Dimwood Forest Series and Don't You Know There's A War On. This book, Beyond The Western Sea Book One, is a credit to his writing. An exciting book, it also is educational and great for kids who like historical fiction. It is SO hard to find a writer like this these days!! Avi, in my book, will always be mentioned in the same category as Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle. To me, this paints a picture that is so real and vivid. A very good book. I'd rate this ten stars if I could. A must-buy. One that the parents will love just as much.