Every Boat Turns South
by J.P.White
ISBN: 9781579621889
ISBN: 9781579621889
A 2009 release from
Permanent Press
For a great many people the incalculable
persistent rhythms of the seas that surround us, the tides, the fog,
crashing surging waves, all serve to remind us of the vast unknown.
Water has no permanent shape, it cannot drive a nail. It can form
long-enduring shapes on the shores of our continents and drive
islands into clusters we label archipelego but no island lasts
forever. In the north, when winter comes and water in the ponds
freezes into temporary hardness, something often urges us to look to
warmer circumstances closer to the equator. We revel in the snow and
crave the sun-baked climes of the tropical island.
There are a thousand stories of sailing
voyages, likened to the human voyage of life and like life, those
voyages are, in turn filled with storm and peace, ecstasy and
sorrow. Here is one such filled with rich images, turbulent emotions,
sadness, joy and death. After years separated from his family second
son Matt returns to his home on a journey of expiation. The family
torn apart by the death of the favored first-born, needs to heal, at
least a little and Matt tries to make that happen. Of course he
fails and in the process weaves a tale of life in the islands off
our southern coast, repleate with passion, drugs, storms, smuggling,
love and mixed results. For the sailor there's great and kindly
detail, for the rest, the relentless drive of the author's poetical
structure and language carries us alongside Matt to an uncertain
conclusion.
At times the exaulted language and
structure may bother some readers, just as other readers may find the
quantity of technical detail confusing and off-putting. For those, I
suggest trying to relax with the story, enjoy the scenery and the
passion, but stay with Matt through his adventure in this fine
poetical novel.
