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A Sailor’s Tale: Miss Judith 1893-1898 Miss Molly
A Sailor’s Tale: Miss Judith 1893-1898 Miss Molly is a unique historical narrative that takes readers on a journey through maritime life in the late 19th century, from 1893 to 1898. Presented in the form of a series of letters, the book offers a personal and intimate perspective on the protagonist’s adventures and experiences as a sailor. This distinctive narrative style, combined with the rich historical context, makes for a compelling read.
The writing effectively immerses readers in its historical context. The author provides vivid descriptions of daily life aboard the ship, sailors’ camaraderie, and their various challenges. These elements are engaging and offer a compelling view of the time.
A notable strength of the book is its detailed portrayal of the technological and social changes of the era. The transition from sail to steam power is a significant theme, influencing the sailor’s experiences and perspectives. The author’s meticulous accounts of ship maneuvers, repairs, and interactions with other vessels provide valuable insights into the naval operations of the period. Personal anecdotes, such as the sailor’s encounters with local populations and reflections on his life, add depth and human interest to the historical narrative.
The letters sometimes shift abruptly between topics, reflecting the spontaneous nature of personal correspondence. While this approach enhances authenticity, it can also disrupt the narrative flow and make it challenging for readers to maintain a continuous engagement with the story. The author addresses this in the preface, noting the sailor’s tendency to write in a “roundy, roundy” fashion, which may affect the coherence of the narrative.
One particular scene that stands out to me is the detailed and gripping account of the sailor’s experience during a confrontation at sea. This scene vividly captures the tension and danger of naval combat, highlighting both the strategic maneuvers and the human elements involved: “I jinxed the ship to Port and them 2 aft Port Nine Pounder went off as one. I gave a finger and the 3 strippers and Mac sat on the deck to mind the helm. I jinxed to Starboard and other two shot.” I think this passage effectively conveys the chaos and precision required in naval warfare. This scene, which is rich in action and detail, exemplifies the book’s ability to immerse readers in the historical maritime experience.
E.G. Lusko has written a detailed and informative account of life at sea during a crucial time in naval history. The author successfully brings to life the experiences of a 19th-century sailor, offering readers both educational and emotional insights.
Pages: 627 | ASIN : B0BTZN966Z
A Sailor’s Tale: Miss Judith 1888-1893 Miss Molly
A Sailor’s Tale: Miss Judith 1888-1893 Miss Molly is a fascinating collection of letters a U.S. Navy sailor wrote to his niece between 1888 and 1893. These letters vividly detail his adventures aboard various ships, describing life at sea, encounters with pirates, and interactions with diverse cultures. The narrative captures the essence of a sailor’s life during that period, blending humor, historical context, and personal reflections in a captivating manner.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is its authenticity. The author’s decision to present the sailor’s letters without significant alterations allows readers to experience the raw and unfiltered thoughts of a sailor from that era. This choice preserves the sailor’s unique voice and provides an immersive reading experience. However, this authenticity comes with occasional challenges, as some passages require re-reading to grasp the sailor’s vernacular and colloquial expressions fully. Yet, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the richness of the narrative.
The book excels in painting a vivid picture of life at sea. The detailed descriptions of the ship’s conditions, the daily routines of the crew, and the various ports of call create a vibrant backdrop for the sailor’s tales. The author’s inclusion of historical events and locations, such as encounters with pirates in the Caribbean and visits to Mediterranean ports, adds depth and context to the sailor’s adventures. These elements make the book an engaging read and informative one, providing insights into maritime history and naval operations of the late 19th century.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the sailor’s personality, which shined through his letters. His humor, wit, and occasional grumpiness make him a relatable and endearing narrator. The interactions with his niece, Miss Judith, and the subtle way he shares life lessons and advice add a personal and touching dimension to the narrative. The sailor’s reflections on his experiences and the people he meets provide valuable perspectives on human nature and the challenges of life at sea.
A Sailor’s Tale: Miss Judith 1888-1893 Miss Molly is a thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone interested in maritime history, naval adventures, or personal narratives from the past. The book’s authenticity, vivid descriptions, and the sailor’s engaging personality make it a standout work in its genre. I think it is particularly well-suited for history enthusiasts, maritime buffs, and readers who appreciate first-hand accounts of adventurous lives.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B07RFQ7Y21
Pompeii: Till the Stars Fall from the Sky
Lorraine Blundell’s Pompeii: Till the Stars Fall from the Sky masterfully intertwines history, romance, and the supernatural in a narrative that spans from the height of the Roman Empire to modern archaeological endeavors. The story follows Lucia, the daughter of a Roman senator, as she navigates life in Pompeii leading up to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and Kate, a contemporary archaeologist uncovering the mysteries of the ancient city. Through these dual timelines, Blundell explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring nature of human ambition and desire.
Blundell’s writing is richly descriptive, vividly bringing to life the opulence and decadence of ancient Pompeii. The Villa Oplontis, a central setting in the novel, is depicted with such detail that it feels almost tangible. Descriptions of the villa’s frescoes, mosaics, and gardens are immersive, highlighting the grandeur of Roman architecture and art. The historical accuracy in the depiction of Pompeii’s final days, alongside the personal stories of its inhabitants, makes the ancient world feel immediate and real. The author’s background in history and archaeology shines through, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
One of the strengths of Pompeii is its complex characters. Lucia’s journey from a sheltered senator’s daughter to a resilient survivor is very interesting. Her interactions with historical figures, such as Empress Poppaea, and her budding romance with Amatus add layers of intrigue and emotional depth. In contrast, Kate’s modern-day story provides a fascinating look into the challenges and thrills of archaeological work. Her relationship with Alessandro, another archaeologist, mirrors Lucia’s story, creating a bridge between past and present. This parallel storytelling enriches the narrative and emphasizes the timeless nature of human experiences.
The novel’s ambitious scope ensures a rich and detailed exploration of both timelines. The transitions between the ancient and modern stories keep the reader intrigued, highlighting the contrasts and connections between past and present. The wealth of historical and archaeological details enriches the narrative, providing a deep and immersive experience that complements the characters’ personal stories, making the historical context come alive vividly and educationally.
Lorraine Blundell has written a captivating novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and romance. The author’s ability to weave together historical fact and fiction, along with her richly detailed descriptions, make this a novel I highly recommend.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0D2ZZKZK3
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Poetry
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes poets who demonstrate exceptional artistry and proficiency and push the boundaries of language and expression. The recipients are poets who excel in their technical skills and evoke deep emotional responses, challenge thoughts, and illuminate new perspectives through their work. The award honors those who contribute to the literary landscape with their unique voices and powerful words.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award June 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Dreams Long Unrealized
The One Who’s Gonna See You Through follows a Black gay man who grows up in the Washington DC area with a nontraditional upbringing. Gregory’s story is so well written that it is like reading a memoir, not a work of fiction. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Certainly, some aspects of my life inform characters and settings in the novel. For example, my father did stand trial for murder when I was a youngster and my parental situation in childhood was similar to GJ’s. However, many other aspects of the novel have been fictionalized.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A Coming-of-Age story that explores early awareness of one’s sexuality.
An African-American father figure of a gay son who was not homophobic.
Dreams long unrealized can still be achieved if they are kept alive in one’s soul.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next novel is still in the ideas phase of conception so best to leave it there till it is realized as a manuscript.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
GJ’s young life progresses, and he is thrust forth into circumstances both familiar and violently surreal, from typical bullying to standing as the principal witness in a murder trial to defend his father. Colorful characters like wild Uncle NapPo, the seemingly unflappable Miss Carrie, and his father’s employer, the curious Mr. Blu, inform him of life’s complexity.
The wide-eyed boy grows into his teens and twenties and is altogether victimized, loved, and enlightened, leading him to experience the full range of gay life. GJ learns the culture and codes of Washington’s insular Black gay bar scene as the teen partner of a man in his thirties. As GJ starts to relish his gay existence, becoming more confident with his gay identity and his family’s unconventionality, he continues to question himself, fighting self-doubt and consternation about fitting into Black respectability norms or the mainstream world. GJ’s adult existence and early professional life extend into the integrated world of Dupont Circle gay bars and Georgetown professional offices, where he finds the love of his life and soulmate.
The One Who’s Gonna See You Through is a work that bridges the commercial/literary divide. The gay interracial theme here is seldom explored, and the absent mother/loving father configuration brings a different lens to this work. The approach to the story in The One Who’s Gonna See You Through sets the more familiar trope of the angry, Black, homophobic father aside and abandons the more well-trodden storyline of steadfast single Black motherhood. By story’s end, GJ recognizes that his father’s early and invaluable acceptance of difference laid the foundations for the happiness and realization he has experienced as a gay man throughout life. He resolves within himself that he must finally accept his legitimacy as both a Black man and an upper-middle-class one.
LITERARY TITAN 