Rollo on the Atlantic

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22252

Title

Rollo on the Atlantic

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this moralistic adventure, twelve-year-old Rollo and his cousin Jane embark on a solo transatlantic voyage to join their parents in Europe. Written as an educational narrative, the story emphasizes self-reliance, duty, and practical knowledge while following the boys' experiences aboard a steamship, from their arrival in Liverpool to the challenges of sea travel.

Summary up to 500 words

In Jacob Abbott's *Rollo on the Atlantic*, twelve-year-old Rollo and his young cousin Jane embark on a solitary transatlantic voyage from New York to Liverpool to join their parents, who are touring Europe. The journey is necessitated by the father's declining health, which prevents his immediate return to America. Upon arrival in Liverpool, the children face the chaotic reality of disembarking, managing their own luggage, and coping with the loss of Jane's beloved kitten, Tiger, who is left behind in the confusion. Aboard the steamer, the narrative highlights the children's growing independence and moral development. Rollo demonstrates maturity by caring for a sick passenger, bringing her chicken broth, and locating his friend Hilbert. Hilbert, however, is portrayed as reckless, attempting to shoot a migratory bird with a bow and arrow until the ship's sailors intervene to protect the creature. The story includes a dramatic sequence involving a severe storm and a humorous subplot concerning a 'lottery' among the passengers. Throughout the adventure, Abbott blends thrilling incidents with moral instruction, encouraging young readers to observe nature, practice honesty, and cultivate self-reliance. The narrative concludes with the safe arrival in Europe, where the children are joyfully reunited with their parents, setting the stage for further adventures in the series. The text serves as both an entertaining account of travel and a guide for children on how to navigate new environments with integrity and courage.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22252.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22252.epub

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Categories

• Travel
• Juvenile Fiction