El último viaje del buque fantasma
What’s inside...
'El último viaje del buque fantasma' (The Last Voyage of the Ghost Ship) is a short story by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez. The narrative follows the surreal experiences of a nameless boy who witnesses a massive, phantom ship that appears every year, gliding without crew or cargo. The townspeople are skeptical of the boy's tales, dismissing them as hallucinations. As the boy grows into a man, he becomes determined to prove the ship's existence. One night, he swims out to the ship, climbs aboard, and takes control, steering it into the town's port. This act of bravery and determination finally makes the townspeople believe in the ghost ship, and the protagonist is no longer seen as a madman. The story, with its magical realism elements, explores themes of solitude, the struggle for validation, and the blurring line between reality and fantasy. It is part of a collection of stories by Gabriel García Márquez, illustrated by Carmen Solé Vendrell.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt during their adventure?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the protagonist?
Can you think of another story that reminds you of this one? Why does it remind you of it?
What is the most important lesson the main character learned on their journey?
How did the story change from the beginning to the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask them what they would do differently.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at various points in the book, and relate them to real-life situations your child might face.
Link themes from the book to everyday experiences, helping your child connect the story to the world around them.
After finishing the book, ask your child to draw a picture or write a short passage about their favorite part, deepening their connection to the story.
Use expressive reading and voices for different characters to make the story more engaging and lively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of uncertainty
Explanation: The protagonist of the story faces numerous challenges on a mysterious ship, demonstrating bravery despite being unsure of what lies ahead.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle new challenges in their lives, like starting a new school or trying a new activity, with bravery and a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: The narrative propels forward through the main character's curiosity about the ghostly ship and its secrets, underscoring the value of inquisitiveness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek out knowledge in all areas of their life, fostering a lifetime love for learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces and overcomes various obstacles, portraying the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties whether they’re encountering problems at school or dealing with friendship issues.