Over Sea Under Stone by Susan Cooper – book review

My latest personal choice of read, rather than a requested book review is Over Sea Under Stone by Susan Cooper. To find out more about the author you may visit her website.

Here is the book blurb.

On holiday in Cornwall, Simon, Jane and Barney Drew discover an ancient map in the attic of the Grey House, where they are staying with their mysterious Great-Uncle Merry. They know immediately that it is special. But it is much more than just a map. It is the start of a quest to find a grail, a source of great power that could contain – or resurrect – the powerful, age-old forces of evil in the world. And the Drews are not the only ones searching for it.

This is the first book in the award-winning Dark Is Rising Sequence. It is a classic written in the 1960’s, but remains a thrilling read today. I was an avid reader as a child, so I am surprised that I never read any of Susan Cooper’s books back then.

It starts with Mr and Mrs Drew and their three children, Simon, Jane and Barney arriving on the train in Cornwall. Their Great-Uncle Merry (Professor Lyon) has rented an old holiday home in Trewissick from Captain Toms, whilst he is abroad. Rufus the dog and Mrs Palk the housekeeper both come with the house. Simon, Jane and Barney discover an ancient Arthurian treasure map, written in medieval Latin, whilst exploring in the attic. But Mr and Miss Withers from the yacht in the bay who initially try to befriend the Drews are also after the treasure, along with other bad people.

Danger, decoys, burglary, chases, night time adventures, snooping and kidnapping ensue whilst the children with Great Uncle Merry’s help try to follow the quest for the grail.

Over Sea Under Stone is a fabulous book for older children and teens. A great page turner which weaves Arthurian legend into the story.

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