Mariner's Voyage
Ray Solly
ISBN 978-1904445-50-0 |
Extract from Foreword by John F. Millican, Director, Warsash Maritime Academy, Southampton, UK
..Dr. Solly has very cleverly woven together a social history of seafaring in the post-war years... ...you discover just how well the author ... has captured the experience of being at sea. ...a wonderfully evocative read, and an important contribution to the history of the period.
Mariner's Voyage is the second volume in a trilogy which offers a socio-historical and semi-autobiographical account of seafaring during the 1950-1970s, a 'golden age' of British shipping. It relates to a new generation the significant economic and social changes of the time, providing an insight into a way of life now overtaken by events. This story continues the adventures of Jonathan Caridia, the narrator in Mariner's Launch, and shows his continued professional and social growth. Written in an eminently readable style which encourages empathy with the narrator, the reader shares Jonathan's pride at leaving behind his cadetship and experiences his uncertanties when he joins his first vessel as Third Navigating Officer. Jonathan impresses as a very real person encountering new challenges and some dramatic situations, which he handles responsibly and with increasing confidence. The reader learns how he confronts new challenges and handles his responsibilities, often conveying a laconic, dry sence of humour. Seafaring then was more leisurely than today, yet Mariner's Voyage is not only for veterans but is also a must for younger readers and all who enjoy rattling a good read. Seafarer's expectations today may have changed a little, although computerisation requires different skills, but going to sea will always be exciting. The sea remains a demanding and challenging taskmaster for those navigating vessels and does not suffer fools gladly.
What the reviews say:'It is a good book which easily drifts from incident to incident and one which shows that humour was often the answer to awkward or even perilous situations. ...the companionship that seafarers enjoyed from being in each others company served them well and this book proves that going to sea was usually an exciting life. ...thanks are due to the author for recording those times for posterity. ... A very enjoyable read, a book not to be missed.' Sea Breezes'A UNIQUE narrative ...that helps capture the total experience of being at sea. ... The book not only seeks to present the variety of duties comprising a deck officer's work, but also explores the effect upon his attitude of mind of the other personalties, aboard and ashore, he encounters along with the impact of the extraordinary events that overtake his ship from time to time. A very satisfying account of merchant ship seafaring of the day.' Nautical Magazine
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