Review: BRILLIANT MARITIME ADVENTURE
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 6, 2014
The author is obviously an expert in the field of maritime life and its inherent politics and dangers. From the oceans of Asia and Australia, this story follows the life of Allan Shortland, a Marine Engineer who has sailed most of the oceans of the world, sustaining the personnel who work on the oil rigs.The Sapphire Sea is the name of a ship that is close to Allan’s heart, but she is nearing the end of her seafaring life. The crew are a mixed bunch. There is a bitter, alcoholic Captain, Tom and Malcolm are the new chums and then there are the older, experienced crew members, who all have their own troubles and secrets.There is a touch of romance, subtly done, but nevertheless enjoyable to a romantic like myself. Sally is the estranged wife of Allan, and they are trying to mend their broken marriage in the tropics of Darwin.Allan is a stoic character, an expert at his job, he can handle troublesome crews, the unions, ships that are passed their used by date, and have to be nursed along because greedy owners want to stretch their dollar further, but when it comes to Sally, he lost her once, but is now striving not to repeat the mistakes of the past that led to the breakdown of their marriage. He will never be a sensitive new age guy (SNAG), but he is trying to let her know how he feels, rather than keeping it locked away, like he did before.There is danger, treachery and tragedy aplenty, and a great cast of characters who compliment each other.It was a pleasure to read such an extremely well written and researched novel.