The Hand of Robin Squires
Description
Contains Maps
$8.99
ISBN 0-14-301512-5
DDC jC813'.54
Author
Publisher
Year
Contributor
Kristin Butcher writes novels for young adults. Her most recent works
are The Trouble with Liberty, Zee’s Way, and Chat Room.
Review
Originally published in 1977, The Hand of Robin Squires has been deemed
one of the 100 best Canadian books for today’s children and teens by
the Toronto Public Library. And no wonder—it brims with pirates,
treasure, murder, and enough suspense to captivate readers from start to
finish. By fusing historical facts and Acadian folklore, Clark has
created an exciting adventure. Though the novel is reminiscent of Robert
Louis Stevenson’s classics Treasure Island and Kidnapped, Clark’s
writing style is better suited to today’s young readers.
Set in 1704, the story is narrated by Robin himself—in retrospect, so
that the reader is aware from the outset that he will survive his
adventures. This knowledge, however, in no way detracts from the thrill
of what is to follow. When Robin’s father, an inventor who has
developed an intricate pumping system, dies before he can finish a
secret project for his brother, Robin takes his place. Too late, he
realizes he has been trapped. His uncle, a charming gentleman on the
surface, is in fact a pirate and a ruthless scoundrel who is building an
elaborate hiding spot for his ill-gotten booty. As soon as Robin
finishes setting up the pump in this hideout, he is to be killed, along
with a number of slaves and a captured Mi’kmaq youth named Actaudin.
But friendship and the will to survive prevail, and though Robin pays a
heavy price, he does live to tell his story. Highly recommended.