The Cay

Book Review by Jane
My daughter gave me this book to read. The Cay was published in 1969. The story deals with a boy’s misconceptions about race and an elderly black man named Timothy who has committed to helping the boy survive a shipwreck on a deserted island. The boy, Phillip, is blinded during the shipwreck, making him dependent on Timothy, at least at first. As Phillip ventures out into the island and becomes less dependent on Timothy, their relationship and respect for one another grows.

I am not an expert on children’s literature, but found myself unable to put this book down. As an adult, I learned a lot from watching Timothy and Phillip work through their relationship. The accomplishments of Phillip and dedication of Timothy was amazing and believable. Aimed at a young audience from the late 1960s, I think there are lessons for today’s children in this book, as well. Dedicated “To Dr. King’s dream, which can only come true if the very young know and understand”, this book portrays a disaster that turns into what must have been a lifelong lesson for Phillip.

Jane.