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It is the 1640s, and young Claesgen waits in Batavia for her father, the renowned navigator Abel Tasman, to return from his perilous voyages. Through the eyes of his daughter, this captivating narrative brings to life the extraordinary achievements of the man who discovered Tasmania, New Zealand, and vast stretches of the Pacific. Using the authentic journals of the era and original illustrations from the 1642–1643 expedition, Christobel Mattingley recreates a world of discovery, danger, and endurance. Readers are transported across uncharted oceans, feeling the tension of hostile encounters, the fury of wild storms, and the immense challenges of navigating wooden ships without modern instruments.
My Father’s Islands is a masterfully written historical account that humanises a legendary explorer. With a narrative voice that is both warm and evocative, it captures the frustrations and the triumphs of a maritime pioneer. Perfect for readers aged nine to ninety, this beautifully produced book makes a significant chapter in history feel immediate, heroic, and deeply personal. It is a stirring tribute to the courage of men who sailed into the unknown to map our world.
Used (good, see images, minor cover wear) Softcover ISBN 9780642277367
