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Book Review
Learning from sea creatures
A compelling story that weaves a strand of magic. - Sunday Times
UK
Title : The Gift Boat
Author : Peter Dickinson
Illustrator : Ian Andrew
 Fantasy is an element that invokes the power to believe in our
imagination. It can open the doors of magical realms and take us on a
journey beyond our wildest dreams. And it can also flare the urge to
hope in what we have lost faith. The Gift Boat, a truly marvelous and
emotional novel written by Peter Dickinson, will sincerely make you want
to weep for its beauty and warmth. It connects the hearts of a young boy
and his grandfather with a strong and unique bond that will keep you
gripped till the last page is turned.
The story revolves around young Gavin and his grandfather, who has a
wonderful gift of crafting model boats which he sells. Gavin’s 11th
birthday is fast approaching, and his grandfather has taken the task of
crafting a special boat for him as a birthday gift. On one particular
day, Gavin’s grandfather takes him out to sea for a little fishing.
While at sea, they both encounter a seal, which seemed peculiarly
friendly and tame. As the pair watches it frolic around the boat, the
grandfather tells Gavin that the creature could turn out to be a selkie,
a half person half seal being.
Later, while the grandfather is almost close to putting the finishing
touches on Gavin’s gift boat, he asks him what he would like to name it.
Gavin replies by saying that he would like it if it would be called
Selkie. The grandfather’s says that Gavin should first ask the Selkies
if it would be alright to take their name. And that’s when his
grandfather suddenly collapses. Gavin immediately fears that his
grandfather was having a heart attack and calls the ambulance.
His grandfather was admitted to the hospital and the doctors inform
Gavin and his family that the grandfather had suffered from a stroke.
Gavin watches the days go by as his grandfather continues to remain in
the coma. What follows after is the realisation that Gavin has to learn
the sacrifices and choices he has to take in order to keep his
grandfather strong: to let him know that he is waiting for him and the
painstaking pact he has to make with the mysterious selkies if he wants
his grandfather back and give them what was rightfully theirs.
Shenali Boteju
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