The Perfect Storm - A True Story of Men Against the Sea

 

Title of the Book: The Perfect Storm
Author: Sebastian Junger
Number of Pages: 236
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆




Review:

A “nor’easter” propelled by hurricane-force winds was not what the sword fishing crew of the Andrea Gail had planned to confront. The events they encounter, and their conflict with nature provide detailed accounts of a storm that takes place and puts the lives of the entire  crew and their families waiting on shore for them against a the sea. Descriptions of sword fishing procedures and equipment used, maritime jargon, and meteorological phenomena all come together in this narrative to describe a historical event that was a rare circumstance. These details are an important part of the plot, and without these maritime terms, we wouldn’t be able to visualize the whole picture of the dangers within the storm in the way the actual characters experienced it. The drama and events that unfold from this catastrophic mix of weather conditions out at sea in the North Atlantic region, in 1991 tell the story of true fishermen. This is truly man vs. nature or man defeating the storm narrative  (actually 3 storms that converged into one geographic location). It is the crew of the Andrea Gail , a fishing boat that left Gloucester, Massachusetts which headed directly into the eye of a hurricane that had no parallel. The storm had no name, yet it claimed all of their lives. It is known as a nor’easter that absorbed Hurricane Grace and ultimately evolved back into a small unnamed hurricane late in its life cycle. The six fishermen and the captain, were only chronicled in Junger’s account of what happened during and in the center of the angry sea. It had furious winds (over 120 miles an hour) and gigantic waves that produced swells of over 50 feet.  To give you an idea of just how raging this storm system was, 13 other boats were also lost in it.

What makes this reading unique is the author’s use of maritime jargon, meteorological events and reports, mixed with true accounts from relatives and other sea faring fishermen. Sebastian Junger writes this narrative with true interest for adventure. He was born in Belmont Massachusetts, which ironically is a 51 minute distance – north-east, driving to reach Gloucester. He grew up inland, in a neighborhood that is famously known for having the Boston Strangler. (This later inspired him to write another book in 2006: A Death in Belmont) He attended Concord Academy in 1980 and received a B.F.A. degree from Wesleyan University in cultural anthropology in 1984. His work with this writing, stimulated renewed interest in adventure non-fiction.

I highly recommend this book to those of you who enjoy outdoor adventure and want a little more than just a story about the sea. The compelling way that Junger narrates, together with the historical events that he recalls all give way to a sea-scape full of challenge and real life drama in the lives and the ways of sword fishermen and the people who are close to them.