Andrew
Yes, that Thomas Dolby ("Science!").
This is the coming-of-age story of young Davey Haskell, a poor Maine lobsterman who dreams of competing in the prestigious America's Cup yacht race.
The one positive of this book is that Dolby, himself a passionate sailing enthusiast, does an accurate and admirable job conveying the action of early 20th century yacht racing. There are some awkward, but necessary, expository sections when a particular bit of technical sailing knowledge needs to introduced, but overall the racing sequences are the best part of the book.
Unfortunately, they can't overcome the otherwise thin plot and one-note characters. A sassy, no-nonsense Latina nurse? A fiery but kind-hearted Irish scullery maid? A cool, smooth-talking Black doorman who takes Davey under his wing? There's room for all of them and more.
The story particularly falters at the finish line with an unearned and unrealstically sacchrine sweet bow to tie everything up.
Yes, that Thomas Dolby ("Science!").
This is the coming-of-age story of young Davey Haskell, a poor Maine lobsterman who dreams of competing in the prestigious America's Cup yacht race.
The one positive of this book is that Dolby, himself a passionate sailing enthusiast, does an accurate and admirable job conveying the action of early 20th century yacht racing. There are some awkward, but necessary, expository sections when a particular bit of technical sailing knowledge needs to introduced, but overall the racing sequences are the best part of the book.
Unfortunately, they can't overcome the otherwise thin plot and one-note characters. A sassy, no-nonsense Latina nurse? A fiery but kind-hearted Irish scullery maid? A cool, smooth-talking Black doorman who takes Davey under his wing? There's room for all of them and more.
The story particularly falters at the finish line with an unearned and unrealstically sacchrine sweet bow to tie everything up.
