No, ‘The Cay’ is not a true story. It is a work of fiction written by Theodore Taylor. The novel was first published in 1969 and is set during World War II. The story follows a young boy named Phillip who is stranded on a cay (a small, low island) with an elderly West Indian man named Timothy after their ship is torpedoed by a German submarine.
While the events and characters in the book are fictional, the author, Theodore Taylor, was inspired by his own experiences during the war. Taylor served in the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine, and his time at sea provided him with the background knowledge to create a realistic setting for the story. Additionally, the themes of survival, friendship, and overcoming prejudice are central to the narrative, making ‘The Cay’ a compelling and thought-provoking read.
In summary, ‘The Cay’ is a fictional tale that draws on the author’s real-life experiences to create a vivid and engaging story.