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Red Sails to Capri
The minute he saw the boat with the red sails moving into the harbor, Michele knew that something exciting was going to happen. It was the biggest and most beautiful ship fourteen-year-old Michele had ever seen. Sailing on the ship were three men who would come to stay at Michele's parents' inn. The men said they were searching - one for beauty, one for adventure, and one for "something difficult to explain." What they brought with them was a mystery and adventure that would change Michele's life - and all of Capri - forever.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
41 people are currently reading
2038 people want to read
About the author
Ann Weil
119 books4 followersAnn Weil (1908-1969) was a children's author whose children's historical novel, Red Sails to Capri was a 1953 Newbery Honor Book. Some of her other books include Betsy Ross: Designer of Our Flag, Betsy Ross: Girl of Old Philadelphia, and Eleanor Roosevelt: Courageous Girl. Ann was born in Harrisburg, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
January 16, 2023
This is masterful storytelling!
And I’ll tell you why.
Hardly anything happens, and yet, you’re entirely curious and enthralled with making the discovery as much as Michele, the young main character is!
The writing style also surprised me. The story is told mostly through conversation (something I don't usually care for), but this was done so well that I didn't mind one bit. More than that, I actually liked it! It also lent itself nicely to hearing the narrative in an accent. Ha, ha!
So add this to your list of family reads. Its very original, enthralling, cultural, and possesses a good moral lesson.
#Mediterranean #Italy #Capri
Ages: 7+
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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And I’ll tell you why.
Hardly anything happens, and yet, you’re entirely curious and enthralled with making the discovery as much as Michele, the young main character is!
The writing style also surprised me. The story is told mostly through conversation (something I don't usually care for), but this was done so well that I didn't mind one bit. More than that, I actually liked it! It also lent itself nicely to hearing the narrative in an accent. Ha, ha!
So add this to your list of family reads. Its very original, enthralling, cultural, and possesses a good moral lesson.
#Mediterranean #Italy #Capri
Ages: 7+
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
October 10, 2016
Accidentally requested this a year earlier than we'll be reading it for the Newbery Club. Happy accident, though, as I'd hate to have missed it (it may get culled in the meantime, as so many older Newbery Honor books do get weeded by libraries).
Funny. So engaging I read it one sitting. If you don't want a spoiler to the mystery, don't google Capri (or remember what you know about it) until after reading. Weil captured what we think of when we think of traditional life on a Mediterranean island perfectly. Every character is drawn quickly but richly. Every person, every place, feels just right, as if the reader could just step into the book and be there with them. I do highly recommend it and have no idea why it's not more popular (unless American children can't accept the name Michele on a boy).
"You don't need an artist to show you the beauty of a place like that. But your ugly steps--if I have made you see a bit of beauty in them, Michele, I am very happy."
Funny. So engaging I read it one sitting. If you don't want a spoiler to the mystery, don't google Capri (or remember what you know about it) until after reading. Weil captured what we think of when we think of traditional life on a Mediterranean island perfectly. Every character is drawn quickly but richly. Every person, every place, feels just right, as if the reader could just step into the book and be there with them. I do highly recommend it and have no idea why it's not more popular (unless American children can't accept the name Michele on a boy).
"You don't need an artist to show you the beauty of a place like that. But your ugly steps--if I have made you see a bit of beauty in them, Michele, I am very happy."
September 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this old Newbery honor selection (pubished in 1952). Weil took me straight to a lovely stay on Capri in the condition the island existed in during the early 1800s - before being so developed.
And what a fun little adventure, discovering the Blue Grotto! This is essentially a fictionalized tale of the accepted modern rediscovery of the grotto in 1826, "by the German writer August Kopisch and painter Ernst Fries, his friend and travel companion, who were taken to the cave by Angelo Ferraro, local fisherman, and notary Giuseppe Pagano." Grotta Azzurra
This little book sure will make you want to travel.
And what a fun little adventure, discovering the Blue Grotto! This is essentially a fictionalized tale of the accepted modern rediscovery of the grotto in 1826, "by the German writer August Kopisch and painter Ernst Fries, his friend and travel companion, who were taken to the cave by Angelo Ferraro, local fisherman, and notary Giuseppe Pagano." Grotta Azzurra
This little book sure will make you want to travel.
December 17, 2009
This book Wins 5 stars from me for being an incredibly FUN read aloud, for being so appealing to children, for having lovable characters, and having a clever storyline. Let me say, it is very entertaining to read Italian accents out loud!
This book of 10 chapters took us 1 week to read aloud, and it has immediately been promoted to my kids #1 most favorite book EVER. Dorathy tells me she is going to read this book over and over and over just for fun. My kids were literally bouncing up and down in their chairs, laughing out loud, yelling, cheering, begging for JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER. This book as a lot of humor, and a lot of suspense that had the kids on the edge of their seat.
The main character is 14 year old Michele. He is the son of an island innkeeper. One day, a mysterious ship with red sails appears. On board are 3 men: a Frenchman in search of adventure, an English noble in search of beauty, and a German in search of something difficult to explain. The come to stay at Michele's inn.
Their arrival sparks a series of events that at the end will leave the island, and Michele's life, changed forever.
This book of 10 chapters took us 1 week to read aloud, and it has immediately been promoted to my kids #1 most favorite book EVER. Dorathy tells me she is going to read this book over and over and over just for fun. My kids were literally bouncing up and down in their chairs, laughing out loud, yelling, cheering, begging for JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER. This book as a lot of humor, and a lot of suspense that had the kids on the edge of their seat.
The main character is 14 year old Michele. He is the son of an island innkeeper. One day, a mysterious ship with red sails appears. On board are 3 men: a Frenchman in search of adventure, an English noble in search of beauty, and a German in search of something difficult to explain. The come to stay at Michele's inn.
Their arrival sparks a series of events that at the end will leave the island, and Michele's life, changed forever.
June 14, 2025
“I will tell you,” he said, “what all philosophers know. To search for the truth is always an adventure - and there is always beauty in the truth itself. To have knowledge and understanding, to know the truth about things, that can as exciting and beautiful as this blue cavern, this blue grotto.”
January 13, 2018
Michele, a boy from Capri, spies the most beautiful red-sailed boat he has ever seen. The boat arrives in Capri harbor with three strangers- guests for Michele's family's inn. Mama cooks and cleans for the guests but they are in search of something special: one is searching for beauty, one for adventure and one for the truth through knowledge. It is the curiosity of the adventuring Frenchman and the philosophy of the Danish man that leads to an adventure beyond Michele's wildest dreams.
This is a pretty simple story set in 1826 when Capri was a wild, rocky mountain with only enough tourists to fill one inn to the max. The island is a character in the novel. The descriptions are quite lovely, especially the surprise they find at the end of the adventure. The plot kept me interested enough to keep reading in one sitting but I didn't find anything special about the writing. Would I have chosen this as a Newbery Honor book? I don't think so.
Michele is immature for 14. He acts more like a younger boy of 8-10 though he does make a mature decision early in the book. I loved his Mamma who reminded me of my Nonnie, whose duty it was to make sure no one ever ran out of food! I loved Mamma's singing to her food and I'm going to try her macaroni song! I liked her sarcastic comments-SO Neapolitan. The three guests are spoiled and think nothing of tossing money around without a care to the consequences. They want adventure without thinking of how it will affect Michele's family. Angelo is a fun character. I'm not sure I like him but he adds to the local color.
This is a pretty simple story set in 1826 when Capri was a wild, rocky mountain with only enough tourists to fill one inn to the max. The island is a character in the novel. The descriptions are quite lovely, especially the surprise they find at the end of the adventure. The plot kept me interested enough to keep reading in one sitting but I didn't find anything special about the writing. Would I have chosen this as a Newbery Honor book? I don't think so.
Michele is immature for 14. He acts more like a younger boy of 8-10 though he does make a mature decision early in the book. I loved his Mamma who reminded me of my Nonnie, whose duty it was to make sure no one ever ran out of food! I loved Mamma's singing to her food and I'm going to try her macaroni song! I liked her sarcastic comments-SO Neapolitan. The three guests are spoiled and think nothing of tossing money around without a care to the consequences. They want adventure without thinking of how it will affect Michele's family. Angelo is a fun character. I'm not sure I like him but he adds to the local color.
February 27, 2009
Slight and and pleasing, told almost entirely in dialogue. Ann Weil accomplished something unusual--her characters speak with the rhythm of Italian, but it doesn't come across as broken English. The mother is especially delightful: "His mother lived with the constant fear that everyone around her was going to starve to death, and her whole life was spent in trying to avoid that great tragedy." I don't think she has more that five lines in the whole book that aren't about food. These ARE the people I knew on Elba (although they would object strongly to the idea that they were anything like the natives of Capri).
September 30, 2020
I wish it had more action before the end.
May 20, 2024
“Now I have a chance to give him an adventure. That is all a poor man can give his son, Mamma, a chance for an adventure. Listen. If we go to the cove and come back, Michele will have had an experience he will never forget. He will tell his children about it, and his grandchildren. It will be something for him to think about when he is working hard at the inn. It will make him proud that he had the courage to go. It will make him feel brave inside, brave and important.
That is all I have to give Michele, a bit of adventure. Surely that is not too much. Surely you would not want me to take this one thing away from him."
That is all I have to give Michele, a bit of adventure. Surely that is not too much. Surely you would not want me to take this one thing away from him."
September 16, 2021
I enjoyed this Newbery book. It was short, easy to read, and I thought it had a fun ending.
Michele and his parents run an inn. They're thrilled to get some surprise visitors during the off season. All is going well until the visitors insist on the visiting the mysterious cove on the island. It's off limits and is surrounded by myths and legends. The visitors insist though, and soon a great excursion is planned.
Michele and his parents run an inn. They're thrilled to get some surprise visitors during the off season. All is going well until the visitors insist on the visiting the mysterious cove on the island. It's off limits and is surrounded by myths and legends. The visitors insist though, and soon a great excursion is planned.
January 27, 2020
The children and I enjoyed this book. Even my husband hovered in the kitchen once to hear what would happen during what I shall call "The egg chapter". It was a lovely story :)
May 25, 2024
Fun short Newbery honor title. Based on a real place- look it up at the end. Fun adventure- classic 1950’s style with memorable characters and setting.
October 3, 2024
This is SO GOOD!!!!!!!
September 5, 2025
Read this to my seven year old and we both really enjoyed! The storytelling is so good and clever!
August 11, 2019
"People are afraid of anything they don't understand. When they understand, when they know the truth, they can do something about it."
—Herre Nordstrom, Red Sails to Capri, P. 74
"Most of the monsters men fear are in their minds. They would vanish like smoke if we would only let them."
—Herre Nordstrom, P. 148
Red Sails to Capri is an example of the near-perfect blending of adventure and sharp wit into one book. I really was surprised by how funny the story is; the island of Capri on which Michele and his parents live is populated with quirky, memorable characters, and that cast grows larger when three enigmatic visitors from abroad—Monsieur Jacques, Lord Derby and Herre Nordstrom—come to stay at the inn owned by Michele's parents. Each of the three is on the lookout for a different sort of adventure from that envisioned by their two companions, and all are determined to find what they seek during their time on Capri.
It's not long after the arrival of the three foreigners that they become curious about a particular cove on one side of the island. The waters of the cove are the most beautiful anywhere near the Capri mainland, yet Michele will not go anywhere near the cove—or the mysterious cave it holds—in his boat while taking Monsieur Jacques on a guided tour of Capri and its waters. When Monsieur Jacques brings up the subject of the cove in conversation with Michele's parents later on at the inn, it becomes clear that Michelle is not the only one who lives in fear of that location; in fact, everyone on Capri always steers clear of the cove and has no concrete idea of what dangers it may hold. All they know is that it is considered bad luck, and no native of Capri would ever think of exploring deeper and risking his life to learn more.
But Herre Nordstrom, a philosopher through and through, is unwilling to accept such superstitions as truth. He is determined to find a way to explore the cove and the eerie, forbidding cave that it contains, not balking at monetary expense, personal danger or the angry derision of the islanders if they were to find out about his plans. Monsieur Jacques and Lord Derby insist on going along for the trip, as well, and as a result so does Michele's father, who feels a responsibility to watch over the guests at his inn and ensure their safety. Before long nearly a dozen people, including Michele, are going on the expedition, which must at all costs be kept secret from the rest of the islanders. Michele and the other explorers are unsure what they will find, or even if they will make it back to the inn alive after their brave excursion. Old fears and even older legends die hard, and Michele knows that it will be no easy task to find out once and for all the truth about this part of Capri that the island's inhabitants fear most.
To describe more than that would be too give away too much detail about the plot. Red Sails to Capri is a very good novel, in my opinion, ahead of its time in terms of humor and thoughtful in its philosophy. Readers can find just as much to learn and nearly as much excitement in the ordinary conversations between Michele and the three foreign visitors as they will in the adventurous expedition that the plot promises to deliver from the start of the book, and few will be disappointed by the realization of that adventure once it begins. In my mind, though, perhaps the greatest positive that this book has to offer is in the form of the shards of deeper thought that decorate the text here and there, showing that one need not be a graduate philosopher to know a little bit about how life work, or to make profound observations about what it means to be human and to have human fears and emotions. Red Sails to Capri is a fine story with more than one deeper message carried by the plot, and I would probably give it two and a half stars.
—Herre Nordstrom, Red Sails to Capri, P. 74
"Most of the monsters men fear are in their minds. They would vanish like smoke if we would only let them."
—Herre Nordstrom, P. 148
Red Sails to Capri is an example of the near-perfect blending of adventure and sharp wit into one book. I really was surprised by how funny the story is; the island of Capri on which Michele and his parents live is populated with quirky, memorable characters, and that cast grows larger when three enigmatic visitors from abroad—Monsieur Jacques, Lord Derby and Herre Nordstrom—come to stay at the inn owned by Michele's parents. Each of the three is on the lookout for a different sort of adventure from that envisioned by their two companions, and all are determined to find what they seek during their time on Capri.
It's not long after the arrival of the three foreigners that they become curious about a particular cove on one side of the island. The waters of the cove are the most beautiful anywhere near the Capri mainland, yet Michele will not go anywhere near the cove—or the mysterious cave it holds—in his boat while taking Monsieur Jacques on a guided tour of Capri and its waters. When Monsieur Jacques brings up the subject of the cove in conversation with Michele's parents later on at the inn, it becomes clear that Michelle is not the only one who lives in fear of that location; in fact, everyone on Capri always steers clear of the cove and has no concrete idea of what dangers it may hold. All they know is that it is considered bad luck, and no native of Capri would ever think of exploring deeper and risking his life to learn more.
But Herre Nordstrom, a philosopher through and through, is unwilling to accept such superstitions as truth. He is determined to find a way to explore the cove and the eerie, forbidding cave that it contains, not balking at monetary expense, personal danger or the angry derision of the islanders if they were to find out about his plans. Monsieur Jacques and Lord Derby insist on going along for the trip, as well, and as a result so does Michele's father, who feels a responsibility to watch over the guests at his inn and ensure their safety. Before long nearly a dozen people, including Michele, are going on the expedition, which must at all costs be kept secret from the rest of the islanders. Michele and the other explorers are unsure what they will find, or even if they will make it back to the inn alive after their brave excursion. Old fears and even older legends die hard, and Michele knows that it will be no easy task to find out once and for all the truth about this part of Capri that the island's inhabitants fear most.
To describe more than that would be too give away too much detail about the plot. Red Sails to Capri is a very good novel, in my opinion, ahead of its time in terms of humor and thoughtful in its philosophy. Readers can find just as much to learn and nearly as much excitement in the ordinary conversations between Michele and the three foreign visitors as they will in the adventurous expedition that the plot promises to deliver from the start of the book, and few will be disappointed by the realization of that adventure once it begins. In my mind, though, perhaps the greatest positive that this book has to offer is in the form of the shards of deeper thought that decorate the text here and there, showing that one need not be a graduate philosopher to know a little bit about how life work, or to make profound observations about what it means to be human and to have human fears and emotions. Red Sails to Capri is a fine story with more than one deeper message carried by the plot, and I would probably give it two and a half stars.
November 4, 2012
This story is about a boy named Michele who lives on the island of Capri. When three foreign visitors come to stay in his family's inn, he may--or may not--get his one and only opportunity for an adventure.
I saw this at a used book store and snapped it up. It's really a great find, an excellent book. It deserved its Newbery Honor award. It's the kind of book that has a mystery, so don't look at anything that may give away spoilers. (Reviews, summaries, etc.)
I saw this at a used book store and snapped it up. It's really a great find, an excellent book. It deserved its Newbery Honor award. It's the kind of book that has a mystery, so don't look at anything that may give away spoilers. (Reviews, summaries, etc.)
June 18, 2018
This is a great book! I like the creative writing and the fact that it is based on a real place (Blue Grotto in Capri). This would be a great one to read as a family. (Does mention that the villagers thought witches and monsters lived in the cave-which is true to history). Maybe someday I can visit the Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy!
September 29, 2007
A fun book to read aloud. It will make you want to google then take a trip to Capri.
May 10, 2017
Three words: Egg. Boiling. Song. 😂
December 28, 2022
Amazing book it was beautifully written and felt like the reader was in capri. Endearing characters and great plot
September 8, 2021
This story takes its time, but remains thoroughly enjoyable all the way through. The international cast of characters, all vibrant with personality and witty dialogue, are immediately endearing. Their conversations are such fun to read that you'll never want them to stop talking (which is good, because most of the book is conversations). I especially loved Michele's mother and Angelo, but I am tempted to add more names because they are all so wonderful.
They are also, all of them, admirable role models, each in his or her own way. There are so many moments--of friendship, of respect, of diligence, of philosophizing--embedded in this text that I hoped and prayed my kids noticed. If they didn't--well, we'll be reading this one again when the 4yo gets old enough to appreciate it.
I went into this book knowing nothing about Capri and not having a very good idea of what the plot was even about (the back of the book doesn't provide many clues), and I actually liked it better that way. It turns out that it's a fictional version of a real historical event, though. By the end I was DYING to know what would develop, and I confess to flipping forward several times to try to get a peek without my kids noticing. (They noticed.)
Not only are the plot and characters enjoyable, but this book is also about something more than the protagonist's goal. Weil weaves in big themes like "What is philosophy" or "where is beauty" in lovely, memorable ways. All in all, excellent.
P.S. I ended up looking up the Newbery award winners for the year this book was published because I was kind of scandalized it was only a Newbery Honor and not a Newbery Medal. Well, it was in the running for the 1953 Newbery--the same year as some stiff competition (Charlotte's Web, for one, which also didn't win the award that year!). If you get a Newbery Honor the same year that Charlotte's Web got the same honor... you're in good company.
They are also, all of them, admirable role models, each in his or her own way. There are so many moments--of friendship, of respect, of diligence, of philosophizing--embedded in this text that I hoped and prayed my kids noticed. If they didn't--well, we'll be reading this one again when the 4yo gets old enough to appreciate it.
I went into this book knowing nothing about Capri and not having a very good idea of what the plot was even about (the back of the book doesn't provide many clues), and I actually liked it better that way. It turns out that it's a fictional version of a real historical event, though. By the end I was DYING to know what would develop, and I confess to flipping forward several times to try to get a peek without my kids noticing. (They noticed.)
Not only are the plot and characters enjoyable, but this book is also about something more than the protagonist's goal. Weil weaves in big themes like "What is philosophy" or "where is beauty" in lovely, memorable ways. All in all, excellent.
P.S. I ended up looking up the Newbery award winners for the year this book was published because I was kind of scandalized it was only a Newbery Honor and not a Newbery Medal. Well, it was in the running for the 1953 Newbery--the same year as some stiff competition (Charlotte's Web, for one, which also didn't win the award that year!). If you get a Newbery Honor the same year that Charlotte's Web got the same honor... you're in good company.
February 9, 2017
A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK 1953
The minute he saw the boat with the red sails moving into the harbor, Michele knew that something exciting was going to happen. Sailing on the ship were three men who would come to stay at Michele's parents’ inn. The men said they were searching—one for beauty, one for adventure, and one for “something difficult to explain.” What they brought with them was a mystery and adventure that would change Michele's life—and all of Capri—forever.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting story about the rediscovery of the Blue Grotto in Capri. It is a fictional tale (based on fact), but I believe older elementary students (especially boys) would thoroughly enjoy this tale of young Michele and Pietro's adventure with the guests at Michele's parents' inn to discover the mystery of the cove. Would even be a good read aloud for second/third graders.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But let me tell you this. I think everyone is looking for something--something special, something that means more to him than anything else in the world."
"Men dream, and then they run to catch up to their dreams. That is progress...We need both kinds of men--the dreamers and those who try to make the dreams come true."
The minute he saw the boat with the red sails moving into the harbor, Michele knew that something exciting was going to happen. Sailing on the ship were three men who would come to stay at Michele's parents’ inn. The men said they were searching—one for beauty, one for adventure, and one for “something difficult to explain.” What they brought with them was a mystery and adventure that would change Michele's life—and all of Capri—forever.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting story about the rediscovery of the Blue Grotto in Capri. It is a fictional tale (based on fact), but I believe older elementary students (especially boys) would thoroughly enjoy this tale of young Michele and Pietro's adventure with the guests at Michele's parents' inn to discover the mystery of the cove. Would even be a good read aloud for second/third graders.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But let me tell you this. I think everyone is looking for something--something special, something that means more to him than anything else in the world."
"Men dream, and then they run to catch up to their dreams. That is progress...We need both kinds of men--the dreamers and those who try to make the dreams come true."
November 27, 2018
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would -- the eccentric characters and some of the dialog in particular made it a fun story of what appears to be an actual place on the Italian island of Capri. For me the best part wasn't the "mystery," but the character interactions.
September 22, 2020
Read aloud with Emma. This is a great book about the small island off Italy called Capri, a young boy and the adventure he goes on to the mysterious cave. We really enjoyed this book and want to visit the island and the Blue Grotto some day!
September 9, 2021
This is one I read with the kids. At first I couldn’t see how we were going to get into it and enjoy it. The writing is very weird. There is sooooo much dialogue, it’s hard to keep straight who is talking half the time. But we eventually got into the rhythm of it and it was actually quite entertaining! The kids laughed and had fun listening to me read in all the different voices, and we really enjoyed the mystery of the cove!!
September 25, 2020
Cute humor. Kids enjoyed it.
April 15, 2021
My kids and I thought this was a fabulous book and of course we are all longing to go to Capri now!
March 19, 2022
Must be read aloud with accents: German, Italian, and English, at least.
August 31, 2023
This is a book I read with my 8 year old son. We both absolutely loved it! It is a story that includes adventure and comedy. Great for young and old readers a like!
September 4, 2023
I read this with my kids and it was lovely. Best read with an Italian accent!
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