The Cave

by Bill Rogers

A group of teenagers from an inner city academy set off for an adventure holiday in the Pennine Hills. Two days later tragedy strikes. Deep below the ground the six survivors struggle to stay alive until help arrives. The stories they tell about themselves will change their lives forever. In so many ways a coming of age/rite of passage novel, The Cave explores themes that affect the lives of young people in the modern multicultural city. A book for adults too. Think Plato's Cave, The Canterbury Tales, and a far more hopeful Lord of The Flies. The first Crossover novel for teens,young adults and adults alike by the Winner of the ePublishing Consortium Writers Award 2011, for The Cleansing.

210 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2011

Reviews

[Jean Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise

The plot of this book sounds like the start of one of those old unfunny un-pc jokes: a Jew, a Hindu a Muslim and a Christian are trapped in a cave. I struggled with the "willing suspension of disbelief" necessary to thoroughly enjoy this story. It was just too improbable that out of a group of six schoolchildren you would have such diverse experience.
Having said that, though, the tales told by the children were handled well. I did feel that the author ran out of steam when it came to the final two tales and they were only sketched in.
The book would have benefitted from an alert proof reader as there were many instances where a sentence had clearly been changed but part of the old construct had not been deleted.
It has the feeling of a book designed to be a set text. I can list potential essay questions without straining my brain.

[Sparkly Sylv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this more than i expected.

It's aimed more at teenagers, but the author draws you in, and you just really want to know what happens to the group as the water rises...

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different from Bill Rogers detective stories. A fascinating tale about a group of teenagers and their physical and emotional struggle for survival when they are trapped underground. This is a book that would appeal to both adults and young people. Bill Rogers long career in Education and his experience with young people really comes through in the different characters and their life experiences.

[Alison Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of young people become trapped underground in the Penines. Leaders and followers naturally develop and they learn about each other and themselves as they await rescue.
This book had me compelled from the start and had me living every moment with them as they hoped for rescue. My spirits fell as theirs did, I clung to hope with them, I almost felt their hunger.
Very well written and exactly the right length. I recommend this book and am grateful it was recommended to me.

[Chriscal Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first Bill Rogers book that I have read. A quick easy read for my journeys to and from work and with it being set in N W England familiar with the locations in the book. Will certainly look up some more of his books.