RKJ - Reviews

[nathanlee]

Since nobody has reviewed them yet, I thought I'd give it a go.

I can't imagine anybody on here hasn't read the classic, A world of My Own, but just incase..
Here's A World of My Own Review

And his subsequent, and equally impressive Force of Nature

 

[ianc1200]

How well written is it? I've just about finished the boigraphy of Blondie "Hasler" and this book and Alex Rose's "My Lively Lady" both mentioned towards the end, & I realised I haven't read either.

 

[nathanlee]

Sorry, I hadn't spotted the reply to my post.

It's very well written. Not quite up to the standard of Ice Bird (which I'm currently re-visiting), but Sir Robin tells a wonderful story. If you're going to pick one, I'd certainly go for the first one. The lack of technology and pioneering spirit gives it a romantic edge over the second book in the Open 60.

By the way, if you have not read Ice Bird (David Lewis) do so. I had forgotten just how good it is.

 

[SAWDOC]

In the Summer of 1968, nine men set off in their boats in an attempt to be the first ever human being to sail around the world, nonstop. Well, one thought he was a cosmic being, but I’ll leave that for another book review.
Does this excerpt from your short review refer to Moitessier?
If so, it is completely inappropriate - could I suggest that instead of thinking he was a cosmic being he just thought he would skip all the bruha ha waiting for the winner. Having read extensively anout the race, i salute all those who took part, particularly BM who completed his own circumnavigation quite some time before anyone else - If I remenber correctly this was one of the criteria stipulated for winning the prize in the original newspaper notice.

 

[absit_omen]

Try to get hold of Davd Lewis' 'The Shp Would Not Travel Due West'. Hs account of the first STAR.

Then contrast that with Val Howells' 'Sailing into Solitude' about the same race.

 

[machurley22]

[ QUOTE ]
Does this excerpt from your short review refer to Moitessier?

[/ QUOTE ]
Suspect the OP is referring to Crowhurst.

 

[BobPrell]

Thanks for reminding me of the title. That was a terrific book.

I used to read all those books by the solo sailors, and I thought they were so good, I think now this was a result of my own obsession rather than the quality of the writing.

Val Howells really broke the mould. For those who do not know the book, it is a stream-of-consciousnness piece almost like an experimental novel. It conveyed to me much more of an impression of the effect of the voyage on his own personality, than anything else.

By contrast most of the others were very formulaic viz
The idea of competing in the OSTAR grew in my mind.
I planned a yacht.
I practised hard.
I looked for sponsors.
I rushed to the start.
I sailed sooo hard.
things broke.
I came nth.
I am a better person.

Sorry I have spent so many words describing what he wasn't but I am a crap writer and VH was a good one.

 

[ethan007]

You had written it very well nice finishing in the end. I hadn't read it before any where very nice writing.
___________________
laser marking systems

 

[nathanlee]

[ QUOTE ]
In the Summer of 1968, nine men set off in their boats in an attempt to be the first ever human being to sail around the world, nonstop. Well, one thought he was a cosmic being, but I’ll leave that for another book review.

Does this excerpt from your short review refer to Moitessier?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, far from it, it referred to Crowhurst, and was using his own self description.

Moitessier is definitely the poet of the lot. Maybe it's because he's French but he does seem to drift in to romantic contemplatory prose about the sea from time to time, which is no bad thing, just stark contrast to RKJ's "give me and beer and I'll beat the bloody French" approach, which I love. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Chrusty1]

I hope you are keeping a comprehensive log, and making plenty of notes young Nathan!

I am looking forward to your forth coming book of your trip around the UK.

Nope! I am not being in the least sarcastic. or trying to take the piss, more making a suggestion really, I think it would make interesting reading for most cruising sailor folk.

Cheers, and all the best..... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

PS. Get some paper charts.

 

[SAWDOC]

[ QUOTE ]
In the Summer of 1968, nine men set off in their boats in an attempt to be the first ever human being to sail around the world, nonstop. Well, one thought he was a cosmic being, but I’ll leave that for another book review.

Does this excerpt from your short review refer to Moitessier?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, far from it, it referred to Crowhurst, and was using his own self description.

Moitessier is definitely the poet of the lot. Maybe it's because he's French but he does seem to drift in to romantic contemplatory prose about the sea from time to time, which is no bad thing, just stark contrast to RKJ's "give me and beer and I'll beat the bloody French" approach, which I love. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Apologies Nathan- I had not noticed your reply until now and as another poster had helpfully pointed out i completely misinterpreted the above! Ah well nothing new there! Best wishes on your extended cruise - the weather this summer could be a tad kindlier for an adventure like that.