Göteborg took me to China

Author: Annelie Stenler (Sweden)
Translator: Ji Hong · Peterson / Country: Sweden
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: This book tells the story of a young boy who embarks on a journey to China aboard the "G?teborg" in the mid-18th century. In 1743, the "G?teborg" set sail from the Krubben quay outside Gothenburg. There were three stowaways aboard the ship, one of whom was Jacob, who was only ten years old. Annelie Stenler describes the facts that Jacob witnessed and heard during the voyage. During the journey, Jacob had many adventures and saw distant places like Cádiz, Java, and Guangdong. It is an exciting story that recreates the conditions on the ship at the time, the scene upon arrival in China, and the various adventures of the young boy during the long voyage. A true sailor does not pray for favorable winds; he learns how to sail on his own! "Jacob, you must remember that!" Uncle Vilhelm once said. Now, Jacob is sitting on the red rock by the Krubben quay, looking out at the port. His gaze falls on the massive "G?teborg" ship of the SOlC company. The ship is so big! It is clear that there are only a few hours left before departure. The last few small cargo ships are docked at the side of the "G?teborg," and some people are busy helping to load the last batch of food onto the ship. Suddenly, Jacob had an idea: "I could borrow the blacksmith's small dinghy and row over to the big ship to say goodbye to Uncle Vilhelm." If Jacob only borrowed the boat for a short time, the blacksmith probably wouldn't mind, but would Jacob dare to do it? The blacksmith's shop is very close here. Jacob knows the blacksmith, and he can row! He had just turned ten. At his age, he might be a bit short, but he still had the strength in his arms to row the oars. He couldn't decide, but he finally made up his mind. He ran down to the beach, jumped onto the blacksmith's small boat, and rowed hard toward the "G?teborg." Jacob passed the large golden lion statue painted on the bow of the ship. The statue shone in the sunlight, as if it were made of pure gold. Getting on from the stern might be easier. In the middle of the ship, there was something hanging like a ladder—it was a folding gangway, wasn't it? Yes, it seemed to be. There were no sailors around the gangway. He gripped the gangway and climbed the ladder. Could he climb up the gangway and over the side? No, if he did that, he would definitely be discovered and sent back ashore. In fact, he just wanted to surprise Uncle Vilhelm. P5