The sailing ship tree

by Berlie Doherty

Twins, Dorothy and Walter Hollins have a passion for writing stories, climbing trees and getting into trouble. It is just before World War I and their father is butler at the Big House where Master George lives. The twins introduce Master George to the Sailing-Ship Tree. Everything changes with the arrival of Tweeny, a young maid, as a friendship develops between her and Master George. The two plan to stowaway to Australia to start a new life but Master George leaves the ship before it sails when his missing father reappears. Years later Master George does go to Australia, finds Tweeny and marries her.

Genres: Childrens

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Berlie Doherty née Hollingsworth is an English novelist, poet, playwright and screenwriter. She is best known for children's books, for which she has twice won the Carnegie Medal.She has also written novels for adults, plays for theatre and radio, television series and libretti for children's opera.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, particularly in comparison to a grown up version I was also reading - childrens books are always better!

[Temp · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books growing up, decided to read it again as an adult and loved it just as much 🤍

[Sara-Jayne Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the first person with each chapter being told by either Walter and Dorothy Hollins, Master George or Tweeny. Each tells the story of life of the servants, children of servants and young master living in a big house in Liverpool in the early 1900s. The Sailing Ship Tree is a large tree with spreading branches which the children like to climb in the garden, and from here they can see the Mersey as well as watch the world go by. Based on the life of Berlie Doherty's dad and his own writings, this is still a work of fiction but one that draws you in to the characters and you want to know what happens.