Harpoon Venture (Wilder Places)

Rating:
Summary: Moving story of fishing in the 1940's off the Scottish coast
Review: Gavin Maxwell writes movingly of his attempt to start a shark-fishing business off the coast of Scotland in the post-war 1940's. He mixes great descriptions of people and place with the honest account of a failed business enterprise. Maxwell is excellent at making a good story from his life experiences. An interesting read even if you don't like shark-fishing!

Rating:
Summary: Nothing is ever lost
Review: Maxwell's attempts to set up a Basking shark fishery based on what was then his island, Soay. The reader does not need to venture out into a small boat off the coast of Skye to get a feel for this experience. The writing lacks a little of the delicate wistfulness of the 'otter' books yet there is no doubting his style and beautifully descriptive prose. Being born into nobility was no guarantee of a successful life and it shows great tribute to the man that he was willing to get his hands dirty in this way. A lot of useful research on Basking sharks came from this venture and provides a rare window into an age that is past.