Rating: 
Summary: error in listing.
Review: I am the author of Dark Wind, Gordon Chaplin, and this is not a review. I'd like to correct your listing of my books, which begins with the out of print audiobook version of Dark Wind, instead of the in-print paperback edition. Would it be possible to list the paperback first? Thank you for your attention.
Gordon Chaplin
Rating:
Summary: A very moving memoir
Review: I've read this book twice in the last two weeks, A very moving story of two people looking for adventure. After both previous marriges fall apart they set upon a journy that ultimately takes the life of one and leaves the other searching his soul for forgiveness. Some how it has left me feeling evey emotion that I think Mr Chaplin had wanted to achieve with the writing of this book. A great book! A real joy reading. I just wish it were possible to tell Mr. Chaplin himself.
Rating:
Summary: not too much love but a lot of loss
Review: If you want modern sailing, adventures, dilemmas, botched revenges, lies, exotic settings, anxious families back home and eventual disaster in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in the world, this is your book. Dark wind tells an average tale about contemporary sailors: middle-aged couple, bouncing out of failed marriages, decides to have the big trip before it's too late: Belize, Panama, back to the US by plane, when the family needs attention, and beyond. Twilights, sunsets, the weird floating society of a port full of foreigners and their boats. Lonesome beaches, mechanical mishaps, the purchase of an EPIRB system: no classic sailing story, here, in the manner of Patrick O'Brien, but autopilots, engines and tourism. People who argue, face hard times and may look selfish. No multi-talented sailor-hero around the world on sight, either. This book is a memoir, a real story about people who suffered while chasing their dreams, and it rings true, even if it's not, which is rather out of the point as far as I'm concerned. It also provides a charming route to follow in the future, autopilot and all. And it taught me something else: if the hurricane comes close, don't ever do what they did.
Rating: 
Summary: A quick, captivating read
Review: Keeping in mind that the author states that writing this book was therapy for him, I have to wonder how he has recovered from such a tragedy. The chapters that detail the storm and the loss of Chaplin's lover are haunting and mesmerizing. I could not put this book down, for some reason, and read the last 150 pages in one sitting. My only remaining thoughts are how did he recover from this disaster and what would I have done is similar circumstances?There are weak spots, however. I don't understand why he felt it necessary to relive his infidelities. I don't see what this added to the story (other than to cement in our minds one of their many arguments which he usually tended to incite) and what purpose it served other than as a confession for him. I expect that he is living with quite a bit of guilt, that of his lover's death, his infidelities, his frequent denials of the worries of his lover, and the chronic "what ifs" that must now haunt him. The thoughts and questions that linger upon finishing Dark Wind are many. I recommend this not because it is sterling literature or has a deep plot (because it is not and does not), but it brings up many issues that are worth thinking about.
Rating: 
Summary: FLAWED BUT ENGROSSING
Review: My initial thoughts upon completing this short book is that the author comes off as very unlikeable, as does his deceased partner. And I'm not sure if it's because the writing fails or because they truly are indeed selfish, unlikeable people. The main premise of having a loved-one slip right through your fingers to his/her death is strong enough to overcome most literary deficiencies and this is no exception. Despite the fact that it's not particularly well-written and the characters aren't likeable, I couldn't put it down. Go figure!
Rating: 
Summary: Emotionless, self-indulgent memoir by a mediocre writer.
Review: Shame on Atlantic Montly Press for publishing this clearly self-indulgent memoir. Readers love an adventure story, so it was bound to sell no matter how ugly the tale, how ugly the man and how poorly written the piece. Chaplin suffers from the plague of late 20th century man: self-absorption. It appears at every turn of this story and at every turn in the prose. His utter disregard for his partner is horrifying. His lack of emotion in re-telling the story is unforgivable. His need to write the story is, perhaps, understandable, but his need to publish it is selfish and pathetic. It shows me he didn't learn anything about living from the death of the woman he loved. As a writer, he barely hits mediocre. I would never seek out any more of his work. As a man he's darn close to unredeemable. Do not buy this book. If you must read it, check it out from the library or wait for it to show up on the remainder tables as it certainly will.
Rating:
Summary: a brave memoir
Review: Some reviewers may not have liked Gordon personally (a bit self-absorbed, seems to bail on his daughters, runs off with his friend's wife...), but they shouldn't hold that against his tale. The story of his ill-fated trip is more of a memoir than an adventure. I'm not sure how a critic could say the story was not convincing -- it's real and very affecting. I don't want to give away the plot, but this is a wrenching tale. How many times have we thought, "If I'd only done x, y or z..." Gordon rakes himself over the coals over and over again, but nothing can bring back the past. I thought he was brave to write of his own personal suffering, even if you don't happen to side with him. I agree that the writing wasn't as good as the very best, but it was exciting and detailed and very solid. Okay, not literary, but respectable enough for its genre. Overall, if you like a bit of the personal mixed in with adventure, you will appreciate this book although remember it is difficult in parts because of the tragedy. Overall, it was an absorbing read.
Rating:
Summary: A memoir, not an adventurous story.
Review: The story is told in plain, nothing is exaggerated with fantastic words. However, I believe the kind of grief of loosing a lover is still deeply hidden. Even Susan is now living in another world, but I think she must be happy with this book - as something that keeps her and Gordon Chaplin together, forever and forever.
Rating:
Summary: MEMOIR AND PUNISHMENT
Review: This is a love story Dostoevski would have enjoyed. A love story between two New York writers who, although knowing each other for a long time, discover only after middle age the strong sentiment that unites them, thus leaving behind their failed marriage experiences. Tragedy ensues: Gordon and Susan, seeking adventure on high seas, depart for a long journey on a sailing boat which will last three years: from such a journey Susan will never come back. In Polinesia, having underestimated (as is generally the case for sea disasters) the dangers of a typhoon, the couple is submerged by the Ocean's giant waves and Susan disappears. So, this is the true story Gordon Chaplin, after almost ten years from the event, finds the heart to tell, at times brutally but always honestly. A true story that captures the imagination and moves to tears, if not sometimes to rage -- great questions arise about the nature of fate, human limitations, the instinct of preservation: "Dark Wind" thus goes beyond the normal boundaries of memoirs, and places into discussion the concept we have of love and forgiveness.
Rating:
Summary: Close to the Bone
Review: This was a difficult book. When I was done, I didn't know whether I wanted to give Chaplin a big hug or slap him upside the head. This is a tale of what happens when irresponsible romanticism meets harsh reality. When it's all done, you don't know if Chaplin really learned or understands anything, yet at the same time, you know the depth of his culpability because he has told you himself. I don't know if it's possible to write with complete honesty about one's own part in such horrific events, but he certainly gives it a shot. This book is quite an unusual and moving read.
|
