As my reviews are becoming longer I have decided to divide them up so I can add them initially through iPad without too much hassle. As a result thus is Beverly Gray on a treasure hunt part 1 where I discuss the first 5 chapters.
I have always loved the artwork on the cover of this book. It states in the front of the book that the artwork is inspired by page 130 with the caption "The cannibals had reached her friends before she could warn them!"
Not exactly how I would of pictured the scene but nether less a beautiful picture.
The script reads:
Suddenly she heard shouts and screams. No need to tell her what it was. The cannibals had reached her friends before she could warn them! Swiftly she sped through the altar room to the door they had first discovered. From there she could watch the scene on the beach without herself being seen. Afterward she did not know what kept her from instantly dashing out to impetuously join in the fray. She could have been of no use, but she longed to help her friends in their feeble defense. (p130)
Now I know in college Beverly was a good runner, and good at sports. Beverly is also sensible. And although Clair Blank isn't big on describing what people are wearing other than on the odd occasion .... Come on, an A-line dress that you would have to shuffle in and high heels whilst having been trekking the jungle after her herself having escaped the cannibals, having been in underground tunnels before that with her flashlight and notebook. I just don't buy that this is how Beverly would be dressed. Or that she wouldn't at least looked alarmed at seeing her friends captured. Still nice dress, good colour, lol.
In the start of this story we learn that Miss Ernwood, their chaperone and Roger's Aunt is going to stay in Shanghai with her British friends until the gang return from their treasure hunt.
Clair Blank as Author is so good at leading you from one chapter to the next wanting more with hints of what's to come. At the end of chapter two Clair Blank writes of Miss Ernwood staying in Shanghai:
Perhaps if she had known all that was to happen to her nephew and his friends, and even to her, before they were all reunited again, she would not have watched their departure so cheerfully. ( p 10)
Stragely though there is a contradiction as Beverly and Shirley are on board The Susabella talking about China:
"I'll never forget it," Beverly said.
"Id like to come again sometime," Shirley sighed.
"Thats just what I was thinking" Beverly smiled. (p12-13)
Hello, did I miss something, are a beverly and Shirley forgetting so quickly that they have to go back and get Miss Ernwood when they have barely just said see you later to her?
Although at the end of Beverly Gray in the Orient Larry boards the Susabella and states he is joining them as they travel to search for the treasure this story has Larry joining them in Japan after they haven't seen him for a week.
Anthony Anton and Shanghai Pete with parrot John still board the yacht in Shanghai though.
In Japan they follow the great Tokaido Rd to see the switchback railway, the zoo, and art school in Ueno Park. From there they visit the Imperial Palace and the Temple of Asakusa, they then travel to Yokohama to see Mt Fuji at close range by the Susabella.
Lenora teases Terry and to pay her back he grabs her and kisses her in front of the others and she runs off embarrassed.
When Larry joins the group he tries to convince the girls to stay in Yokohama and not join them on the hunt claiming the weather can be hard to handle. This is the first time in the series where I have felt that the women were given a poor liitle you things speech. Pity as I don't remember any such speech before which for the era is a vit surprising. Worse still it came from Larry, Beverly's future partner. Of course the girls refused to be left behind.
In Yokohama they went to see Nikko. The palace of the splendor of the orient.
Whilst in Yokohama they also experience an earthquake tremor.
There is an interesting note on travel.
"They might become famous, they might secure great possessions, yet fame could fade and any possession might be lost, but the memories they gained through their travel could never be taken away."
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