Beth's Review: Captain Rum: A Wondrous Adventure by John Perrier
Author Provided Copy
Publisher: JP Publishing Australia
Released: February 25, 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Length: 352 pages
Format: ebook , paperback
Authors Links:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads Author Page
Buy Links:
Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords
Synopsis:
When an Oxford Professor stumbles upon an old naval Captain’s log, he unwittingly discovers what many scholars now agree is one of the greatest maritime adventures in history. In 1821, Captain Fintan McAdam set sail from London, solo, in search of adventure. During his journey, he discovered incredible new worlds and interacted with their amazing inhabitants. They forced him to confront his enemies within, learning much about himself. Captain Rum, as told in McAdam’s own words through his journal, is a tale of discovery, despair and delight. It will keep you enthralled through many a stormy night.
Four Boundless Stars
Captain Rum: A Wondrous Adventure is a new publication of a sailor’s journal from 1821. It takes readers on a self-sponsored ocean voyage with Captain Fintan McAdam for almost 6 months. His story begins with his trip preparations, while he gives us a bit of personal background about himself, his parents and wife, all of which have passed. We quickly learn how his loneliness has brought a fondness of whiskey, as well as, an inability to control his mind and actions, once the whiskey has taken effect.
I have to admit it is an interesting idea to publish an edited version of an old drunken sailor’s journal; however, I found it hard to distinguish between the real and the imaginary. Though I enjoyed reading the stories, and found them quite entertaining; they reminded me of sailors’ tales of seeing Mermaids, only add whiskey. There’s an island inhabited by nothing but birds, but it’s ok because they plant and grow enough food to share with him and his friend. Bobo, his friend, is also a bird, but he can talk, which IS possible; however, when he starts understanding, communicating with, and training a bird to thread rope, one has to have doubts of the authenticity of the stories. The ending was good; it even seems plausible, well most of it did anyway, but I am skeptical because of all the previous stories. It left me with a feeling that I just read a combination of drunken illusions, deliria from heat, and a crazy wild kind of imagination, separated by very sad, lonely and mundane daily routines. In despite of the boring sections; I enjoyed reading most of this story. I enjoy the strange and unbelievable tales; so if you do too, this is the book for you. It’s a long read and requires the readers complete attention, but if you stick with it through the first few entries, you will find it worth the time.
It obvious Perrier is a talented writer, I will be looking for more written by Perrier. I would like to read something HE wrote. With all this being said; I give Captain Rum: A Wondrous Adventure an overall rating of four stars. I really enjoyed it.