43 pages • 1 hour read
Beyond the Bright Sea
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Elizabeth Islands • 1920s
2017
YA
10-14 years
770L
Super Short Summary
In Lauren Wolk’s historical novel Beyond the Bright Sea, 12-year-old Crow, who was set adrift at birth, lives with her adoptive father Osh on a remote Massachusetts island in 1925. As Crow delves into her mysterious origins, discovering she was born on a former leper colony, she uncovers family secrets and strengthens her bonds with Osh and their friend Miss Maggie, ultimately finding peace and belonging.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Adventurous
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
18,714 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lauren Wolk's Beyond the Bright Sea captivates readers with its lyrical prose and evocative setting, drawing praise for its heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging. However, some reviewers find the pacing slow and certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it remains a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel suited for both young and older audiences.
Who Should Read Beyond the Bright Sea?
A reader who would enjoy Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk is likely someone who appreciates historical fiction with rich, atmospheric settings and strong, young protagonists. Fans of Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell or The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett will find this book similarly engaging.
18,714 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Osh
Osh
An enigmatic and resourceful character who found and raised Crow as his daughter. He creates art from discarded materials and has a mysterious past marked by his choice to leave his homeland.
Miss Maggie
Miss Maggie
A resilient and independent woman who lives near Osh and Crow, playing a crucial role in their lives. She acts as a bridge between them and the wider community and serves as a supportive maternal figure.
304
Novel • Fiction
Elizabeth Islands • 1920s
2017
YA
10-14 years
770L
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