The Wreck of the Corsaire

"The Wreck of the Corsaire" by William Clark Russell is a late 1800s story about adventure on the ocean. Through the eyes of Catesby, a rich traveler sailing to India on the Ruby, the book looks at what happens when people are faced with destiny, staying alive, and forming bonds. At first, everyone on the Ruby is celebrating the captain's birthday with fun dances and happiness. This changes when a big sea-bird lands on the ship with an urgent message from the wrecked Corsaire; it tells the tale of three survivors stuck in the ocean's emptiness. Catesby becomes very interested in the Corsaire's story. Excitement and scary feelings get stronger, pulling people fully into the details of shipboard life and the dangers waiting for them. This is only the first part of a journey full of threat, how tough people can be, and trying to stay alive when things are not going your way.