“The Cay,” by Theodore Taylor

April 9, 2008 at 7:44 pm (4 Star Books, Modern Novels, Young Adult Books)

“The Cay,” by Theodore Taylor is an award winning novel that is part survival story and part exploration of racism.

The story is set during World War II, when German submarines were still a threat to ships on the sea. Phillip and his mother are on a ship when it is torpedoed by a German submarine. When Phillip emerges from the disaster he is blind, and sharing a life raft with an old black sailor named Timothy. At first Phillip’s racist attitude prevents him from truly appreciating Timothy, but when they are cast up on a barren island they must work together to survive. Phillip comes to appreciate Timothy as they learn more about each other, and as Phillip realizes what an extraordinary person Timothy really is.

“The Cay” is a study of contrasts. Although it portrays an inexperienced white Phillip, and the kind and wise black Timothy, its real message is that beneath the skin we are really all the same. I appreciated the moving story and serious message presented in “The Cay.”

Inkweaver Book Rating:

Plot

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Message

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See also:

The prequel/sequel to this book: “Timothy of the Cay”
Information about this book on Wikipedia.

5 Comments

  1. C. R. Morris said,

    April 9, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    This is one of my favorite books. I read it in middle school and then again as an adult. I love Timothy. As a young adult author, I want to have a collection of my favorite books and this is one of them.

  2. NathanKP said,

    April 10, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    Thank you for commenting C.R. Morris. I too love The Cay. I plan to write for the young adult audience, so I enjoy studying books such as this one. Its not yet part of my library but I may purchase it soon.

  3. c.z said,

    October 14, 2008 at 3:01 am

    this is one of the best book i’ve ever read

  4. Anonymous said,

    October 26, 2008 at 12:38 am

    I love this book. Once i stared to read it i couldn’t stop! and i don’t like to read alot but this book made me to read. It’s by far one of the most best book ever written.

  5. NathanKP said,

    October 27, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    I’m glad that you enjoyed “The Cay.” It has a lot of deep lessons integrated with the exciting plot.

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