2008 Woodie Awards
Novel doesn't quite float
Book Review
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Life & Style
Given the vastness of the oceans and the severity of the conditions that can occur, it's not surprising that many lives are lost at sea. Some, however, manage to outlive fate. In "Near Death on the High Seas," editor Cecil Kuhne includes 12 true stories of those who experienced the ferocity of the seas, but managed to survive to tell their tale.
Because these stories are told by a variety of individuals, a variety of writing styles is evident. Some clearly are better storytellers than others. The great advantage of these short stories is that if the reader does not like a story, it can be easily skipped to the next. Unfortunately, by reducing some of these stories to fit within the confines of this book, much of the uniqueness and detail of each account is lost. For example, Steven Callahan spent 76 days adrift, and readers are taken to the point in the story when his boat sunk only to be disappointed for the abrupt ending.
Those fascinated with the sea are likely to fully enjoy these stories.
Because these stories are told by a variety of individuals, a variety of writing styles is evident. Some clearly are better storytellers than others. The great advantage of these short stories is that if the reader does not like a story, it can be easily skipped to the next. Unfortunately, by reducing some of these stories to fit within the confines of this book, much of the uniqueness and detail of each account is lost. For example, Steven Callahan spent 76 days adrift, and readers are taken to the point in the story when his boat sunk only to be disappointed for the abrupt ending.
Those fascinated with the sea are likely to fully enjoy these stories.
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