Sumner, a ships' surgeon (who has reasons to keep quiet about his experiences in India) tries to make sure justice is done when abuse and murder are uncovered on an 1850s whaling ship. The Captain is deliberately aiming for the ice, and eventually the desperate crew have the weather to reckon with as well. A brutal novel - there is much swearing and violence, right from the start, but it is pacey, beautifully written and humane.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 84 Spring 2017 ) |
