Pietje Bell in Amerika by Chris van Abkoude

Why read the book?

This book lifts Pietje out of his familiar streets and drops him into a wider world. The voyage itself is full of life, with emigrants, thieves and seasick passengers, and the mischief starts long before the ship reaches port.

What keeps the story warm is that Pietje stays himself. He is far from home and out of his depth, yet he meets every new place with the same cheek and the same kind heart, and he still takes the side of anyone who is treated unfairly.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

I loved how the sea voyage becomes its own small adventure before America even appears. The culture clash is gentle and funny rather than cruel, and Pietje's plan to write everything down for the folk back home gives the whole book a cheerful, chatty warmth.

Key Takeaway

A good heart and a quick wit travel well, even across an ocean.

Note

This book is only available in Dutch

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