Cracked by the convoys
Sailor's Heart, by Martin Campbell
Set
in the dark days of 1942, Martin Campbell's historical novel is about the lives of three seafarers fighting for their country in the Arctic Convoys. Cracking under the intense pressure, they are sent for experimental treatment at Kielder so that they can be returned to battle.
Campbell's novel goes into the suffering of people pushed past breaking point, and the work of psychiatrists expected to 'repair' those who are seen not so much as human beings but faulty parts in the war machine. The main characters are fictional, but the background is all real – and dark. Not a novel for the faint-hearted, but certainly for those interested in a compelling and neglected part of maritime history.
Sailor's Heart
By Martin Campbell
Self-published, £11.95 (available in the Nautilus Bookshop)
ISBN: 979 15272 54824
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Weathering your STCW studies
Meteorology for Seafarers: sixth edition by Lieutenant-Commander RM Frampton and PA UttridgeIf you’re looking to understand the practical side of meteorology, this book co-written by a former general secretary of the Marine Society will do the trick.
Thrilling mission to protect the Convoys
Operation Title: Sink the Tirpitz by Glyn L EvansDrawing on official records and personal accounts, author Glyn Evans brings the sinking of the Tirpitz to life by focusing on the experiences of one participant, able seaman Robert Paul Evans, making this a more intimate view of a well-known event.
Tugging at our heartstrings
Tugs and Towing Across Britain by Ian CollardPacked with fascinating images, this new work by experienced maritime author Ian Collard invites us to consider the well-loved tugs that help keep the UK merchant fleet afloat.
Instructions for an adventure
The Pacific Crossing Guide, 4th Edition by Francis HawkingsThe Pacific Crossing Guide was created to be the complete reference book for anyone thinking about sailing the Pacific, whether going east-west or west-east.