Publishers Weekly
This caper initially seems at odds with its doomed setting, yet Mone quickly entices readers with criminal intrigue, characters who range from eccentric to entirely ordinary, and, of course, the singular setting that is the Titanic. Among the more ordinary characters are Patrick and James Waters, Belfast brothers who work on board, burly James as a boiler room trimmer and bookish Patrick as a steward. Patrick, 12, becomes embroiled in a tug-of-war between Harry Widener (of Harvard library fame), a collector of rare books, and Rockwell and Berryman, two rogues determined to nab Widener’s prized copy of Sir Francis Bacon’s Essaies. While Rockwell and Berryman’s attempts at thievery lend a comedic note (Berryman dons ridiculous disguises, while pretentious Rockwell eats incessantly and praises his accomplice’s “delightfully malleable” morals), the bond between Patrick and Widener gives the story heart. Mone displays solid knowledge of the facts: there are numerous real-life cameos on the ship, and his descriptions of shipboard life, the Titanic’s sinking, and the survivors’ rescue are impressively vivid. Ages 9–12. Agent: Ken Wright, Writers House. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
“Mone seamlessly integrates details of the Titanic and its fate into Patrick’s story, and his passages about the ocean voyage are vivid, even lyrical.”—
School Library Journal
“Mone spins a capable caper, complete with villains so nasty you can picture them twiddling their mustaches.”—Booklist
"...the descriptions are magnificent..." -Kirkus “Mr. Mone has created an enjoyable and at times poignant literary drama. With an echo of survivor Helen Candee, he writes of the sinking's ghastly cacophony: ‘This was the music of hell.’”—Wall Street Journal "Mone quickly entices readers with criminal intrigue, characters who range from eccentric to entirely ordinary, and, of course, the singular setting that is the Titanic."—Publishers Weekly
Children's Literature
- Phyllis Kennemer
A fictional tale of mystery and suspense is woven into factual details about the Titanic. Harry Elkins Widener is carrying a second edition copy of the Essaies by Sir Francis Bacon aboard the ship (factual). Two unscrupulous fellows, also aboard the ship, are determined to steal the book believing that it contains a code revealing the secret of alchemy. Patrick Waters, a young steward, becomes involved through Widener's tutelage, and although Widener perishes when the ship goes down, Waters survives along with the book. Through the use of this fictional plot, Mone provides a look at the inner workings of the Titanic. Waters' brother is a trimmer, shoveling coal constantly into large furnaces to keep the motors running and Waters' job as a steward reveals background information about the services afforded the first class passengers. A compelling mystery with enough factual information to provoke curiosity about what really happened. An author's note reveals that a second edition of the Essaies did appear at the Harry Elkins Widener Library on the Harvard campus (donated by Widener's mother) soon after its dedication. Recommended reading for anyone with interest in the Titanic. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.
VOYA
- Kate Neff
The 100-year anniversary of the Titanic disaster is approaching, which means a wave of books on the subject is upon us. Although Gregory Mone has done his research, which he notes in the author's note, the book is lacking a great deal of energy and adventure. The story follows Patrick Waters, a twelve-year-old Irish boy who is quite bright but who would rather use his muscles like his older brother, who is working on the ill-fated ship. Patrick becomes entangled in intrigue involving scholar Harry Widener and an original copy of Sir Francis Bacon's Essaies. While Widener was a real person on the ship, the rest of the story has been created by Mone. The book is written in earnest, but it has the feel of the Great Illustrated Classics series—it is blocky and over-simplified. It is age-appropriate for middle school readers, but the tone gets bleaker toward the end, which is only natural given the inevitable. It might be a little heavy for younger readers. The book is too light for mature readers and too slowly paced for reluctant readers, which leaves it as an average read overall. Reviewer: Kate Neff
Kirkus Reviews
Patrick, an Irish lad, finagles his way on board the Titanic where he becomes a steward to book-collector Harry Widener and becomes embroiled in an intrigue revolving around Widener's copy of Sir Francis Bacon's Essaies. The rare edition is said to contain, in code, a formula for great wealth. A pair of villains, as theatrically eccentric as any created by Willkie Collins, want the book. After failing to steal it, the thieves ask Patrick to procure the Essaies for them in return for a fee. In a sensible response that will echo readers' reactions, Patrick replies, "Why not ask him [Widener] to borrow it?" For although the inequalities of class, wealth and education are running themes in the story, they do not provide adequate motive for theft. Nor is Patrick's ensuing moral dilemma--should he steal the book to help his heroic brother, who has fallen ill while laboring on the ship?--entirely convincing. The pacing falters, and, although the descriptions are magnificent, that the action takes place on the Titanic is almost inconsequential except for the threat that the formula may be lost forever. Throughout, Patrick learns much about himself, his family and Bacon's great secret. The author's note describing the real Harry Widener and his copy of Essaies may be one of the more gripping aspects of the book. (Historical fiction. 10-14)
School Library Journal
Gr 5–8—Patrick Waters, a 12-year-old from Ireland, blesses his luck when he has a chance to work aboard the Titanic, even if his stamina makes him better suited to be a steward than an engine-room trimmer like his older brother James. He develops a friendship with Harry Widener (a real passenger), who encourages him to read and discuss the works of Francis Bacon. They soon realize that Harry's rare copy of Bacon's Essaies has lured two thieves to the ship. Archibald Rockwell yearns to possess the alchemical secrets he believes Bacon encoded within its pages, so he hired John Berryman, an unscrupulous thief and disguise artist, to steal the book. When the vessel hits the iceberg, the struggles for the treasure and for survival merge into a dramatic ending. Patrick and Harry's discussions about Francis Bacon strengthen this lively adventure into a rich novel. Harry's influence helps the boy understand how knowledge can shape a person's life. Mone seamlessly integrates details of the Titanic and its fate into Patrick's story, and his passages about the ocean voyage are vivid, even lyrical. He describes the ocean as "an aquatic desert without a single dune." Secondary characters, including James, Patrick's friend Emily, and the two villains receive thorough treatment and avoid being stock characters. While many children are rapt readers of any Titanic material, Mone's story rises above the standard.—Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT
