Mutiny on the Bounty

December 23, 1787, Portsmouth. A 14-year-old boy, John Jacob Turnstile, has got into trouble with the police on one too many occasions and is on his way to prison when an offer is put to him - a ship has been refitted over the last few months and is about to set sail with an important mission. The boy who was expected to serve as the captain's personal valet has been injured and a replacement must be found immediately. The deal is struck and he finds himself onboard, meeting the captain, just as the ship sets sail. The ship is HMS Bounty, the captain is William Bligh, and their destination is Tahiti. Mutiny on the Bounty is the first novel to explore all the events relating to the Bounty's voyage, from their long journey across the ocean to their adventures on the island of Tahiti and the subsequent 48 day expedition towards Timor. A vivid recreation of the famous mutiny, the story is packed with humour, violence and historical detail, while presenting a very different portrait of Captain Bligh and Mr Christian than has ever been shown before. A brick of a book - well researched, accessible and a brilliant read. Told from the point of view of a 14 year old boy and the naivety that comes with that, this has more similarities with Boy in Striped Pyjamas than one would expect despite the fact that it is written for the adult market. John spoke of this when at last year's Storylines Festival, so fans will be awaiting it eagerly.