In the novel The Cay, a young white boy and an old black man are stranded on a small sandy cay in the Caribbean Sea following a shipwreck. Eleven-year-old Phillip was blinded by flying debris when a torpedo struck the SS Hato, and old Timothy has taught him how to survive. This prequel-sequel tells the rest of their tale in alternating chapters--the compelling story of two very different people who share the courage and tenacity to turn their dreams into reality.

excellent - Ruthie

Just as well-written as the first book. However, this is the first time I've read this one. This is a different concept. In Timothy's story we learn about his life before "the Cay" and with Phillip's story, we learn about his life after his rescue from "the Cay." ( )

After reading this, one can understand Timothy's motivations for putting up with Philip the way he did in The Cay. This prequel/sequel gives you a new perspective on his death on that island in The Cay. I now see it as a sweet ending to Timothy's life, that he can look back at his mistakes and know that he's made amends. Being stranded together on that cay actually had been the most important thing that had ever happened to both of them! I enjoyed seeing a mature, likable Phillip! ( )

More excellent than I had anticipated. Recommended ( )