Escape to Last Man Peak

by Jean D'Costa

'In two weeks we should have had Christmas, if the sickness had not come.' Ten children are left to fend for themselves when the matron of their orphanage dies during the pneumonia epidemic that is raging through Jamaica. Afraid they will be made to work in the labour camp, they decide to escape to the other side of the island. The perilous journey to Last Man Peak, with only their wits and courage to help them, was to change their lives forever. This tale traces their difficult and dangerous journey to reach Last Man Peak.

Genres: Modern, Read For School, School

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Zandora10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The children in this book took me along with them on their adventure. I shared their fears, hopes and joys.

[Antoinette Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an exceptional book. It elucidates my Jamaican creole and culture along with some jokes. I love that they stayed together and overcome all their obstacles to reach their destination throughout, all that was happening around them.

[Annessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Caribbean based book.

[Kamilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remains one of my favorite Jamaican novels of all time. On top of that, a story of a group of orphans escaping from adults in the midst of a viral pneumonia pandemic to live in a secret cave house? Talk about a storyline that’s become even more relatable over time.

[Nakeshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favourite Jamaican book.

[Gary Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary tale of brave children who were determined to survive even in the midst of a pandemic. They escaped their desperate reality by facing untold dangers, by trotting across counties, and by finding friends to help them along the way. Dare I say: "A Jamaican Classic"? Written in 1972 but relevant for all time.

[Nyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute childhood favourite.

[bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first survival adventure story i ever remember reading. the barebones is orphaned children racing across the country in efforts to evade untrustworthy, villainous adults and a rapidly spreading viral infection. but it is so much more than that. as precocious child is wont to do when reading about precocious children: i gobbled it up. in every way that matters the story sucked me in. the way the country's terrain transformed into something equal parts fearsome and fantastical to this day never ceases to amaze me. d'costa's pen is unmatched in the way she got me to see my own country with new eyes.

reading about the fear of pneumonia, and seeing on page how the sickness seemed to take on a life of its own as the kids trekked across counties was so stress-inducing i remember having to take breaks LOL. found family, braving the unknown, a secret cave-house all set within the annals of late 60s early 70s jamaica? top-tier read. will always own a physical copy. and to know it was a childhood fave of my mother's too...jean d'costa is a generational talent. this is a classic

[Kimone Francis]

this book is awesome but I still feel bad for matron

[Rayhannchristopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

why cant i read the book

[Doni]

Read

[tasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this reread. I loved it in high school and the love still remains ❤

[Jaheim Mitchell]

good book

[Daniek Boo · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it

[Dianna Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book very interesting

[Kebiel]

D

[Whitney Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember really enjoying this book as a pre teen and I want to read it again as an adult to see if it hits the same feelings.

[Arya Pascall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful storytelling of children that were orphaned and left without care after the death of their matron due to severe pneumonia. This story, Escape to Last Man Peak was about trying to survive as children during the sickness outbreak, their experience and challenges faced along their way as they head to place that's safe for all of them.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book twice between the ages of 8 and 10. I barely remember the details but I know it must have made an impression because thinking about it definitely stirs positive feelings.

[Shulonie Mccalla · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was good book, such brave children...i wonder how they made it after christmas.

[Tristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this book. Such bravery and determination!

[Monique Robb]

not bad at all. i read this book in the 8th grade as a literature prose fiction. its about some orphan children who escaped a terrible disese

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my literature books, that I read in secondary school; either second or third form. I remember enjoying it.

[Sadera Henry]

I want to read the book

[Ava Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story in primary school and read it again recently . Just amazingly written.