From the back cover: "It is 1840 and Jamie Fenton has accompanied his father, who has emigrated as a ship's doctor, to Sydney. Soon after their arrival their ship is highjacked by pirates and taken to New Zealand where they escape by swimming ashore. After many adventures in Sydney and New Zealand, they eventually reach what was then Port Nicholson (now Wellington) where Mamie's father decides to stay and practise his profession in partnership with Dr Mac. A book that will enthral 8-13 year olds."
National Library Entry
Surgeon's boy / Eve Sutton ; illustrated by Fiona Kelly. Date: 1983 By: Sutton, Eve., Kelly, Fiona. Identifier: ISBN 0908606192 (hbk.), ISBN 0908606249 (pbk.) Series: Available from Mallinson Rendel.
Publisher: Wellington, N.Z. : Mallinson Rendel ; Auckland [N.Z.] : Ashton Scholastic, Format:138 p. : ill. ; 20 cm.
A fast-paced book filled with adventure, written in the typical Sutton style. The main character is young and impatient and goes through a lot of character-building as he discovers his place in the world. He has been guided firmly and lovingly by his Father. Cons: Like all of Sutton's books, the storylines are brief and a bit shallow. They suit an audience that is reluctant to read! Pros: I enjoyed the descriptions of early Port Nicholson (Wellington).
A good, wholesome New Zealand historical fiction read for a young or reluctant reader.
Now to find a copy! I tried a few months ago with no luck. Any leads?