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A High Wind in Jamaica: Or, The Innocent Voyage
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A High Wind in Jamaica: Or, The Innocent Voyage Paperback - 2016

by Richard Hughes

About this book

Richard Hughes’ A High Wind in Jamaica is the first of only three novels the author published in his lifetime. The novel tells the story of an English family, the Bas-Thorntons, living in late 19th century colonial Jamaica. When the “high wind” of a hurricane hits the island, Mr. and Mrs. Bas-Thornton decide to send their five children back to England ahead of their own return. From there, adventure ensues.

In following the experiences of the children almost exclusively, Hughes takes a highly original approach into the relationship of power between adults and children. Because of this, A High Wind in Jamaica has been referred to as one of the best book for adults about children. It is also ranked 71st on Modern Library’s “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century.

From the publisher

A High Wind in Jamaica, first published as The Innocent Voyage in 1929, is a classic coming-of-age novel. The story centers on the five children of the Bas-Thornton family, living on a plantation in late nineteenth-century Jamaica. Following a devastating hurricane, their parents send the children to England aboard a merchant ship which is captured by pirates shortly after the ship sets sail. What follows is an intense, gripping story of children forced to deal with difficult situations and with emotions they are not yet equipped to handle. The book is considered to have set the stage for later novels such as Lord of the Flies by William Golding, and was the subject of a 1965 movie of the same name. Included in this edition is an Introduction by Isabel Paterson and four illustrations from the 1932 edition.

First Edition Identification

Chatto and Windus first published A High Wind in Jamaica in late 1929. Bound in green cloth, the 283-page first editions contain no additional printings listed on the copyright page.

Details

  • Title A High Wind in Jamaica: Or, The Innocent Voyage
  • Author Richard Hughes
  • Binding Paperback
  • Pages 168
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Date 2016-09
  • ISBN 9781532846106 / 153284610X
  • Weight 0.38 lbs (0.17 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.99 x 5 x 0.36 in (20.29 x 12.70 x 0.91 cm)
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

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