out of 5 starsInterconnected stories converge in this worthy first novel February 8, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This nautical historical tale is several stories in one, of men and women in passage aboard different ships as they convergence on their separate journeys in the great Pacific Ocean during the American Age of Sail. Told with insight into maritime detail and human nature, the author captures the voice and spirit of the mid-nineteenth century in his turn of phrase and dialogue, including under-represented minorities (women, Africans, Aborigines) as full-fledged characters. As one who has traveled more than a few blue water Pacific miles under sail, I related to Strunk’s appreciation of the human spirit as well as the ocean is so familiar with.
As a writer, I liked his ability to say a lot, develop character, in a few well-chosen words. The subtext is rich in humor and compassion. The waters of the Earth connect us all, this first novel by Alan E. Strunk so well illustrates.