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Phoenix from the Ashes: The Boat that Rebuilt Our Lives
The unputdownable thing about "Phoenix..." is that it takes you to familiar places you've never been... introducing you to strangers by the shore.
Justin and Linda spent seven years traveling between France, Ireland, Scotland, and their much-loved Cornwall. They lived on board a classic boat which they built themselves, as amateurs - starting with the trees - having lost their house in an uninsured fire.
Brilliantly written, and laugh-out-loud funny - follow them as they forage the low-water shores meeting the strange, quirky, but always entertaining folk who make their living by the sea; voyage with them through the bumps and breakages of learning to handle their craft; and meet the unusual folk who live on board boats frugally at the top of creeks, or lavishly - sailing the seven seas.
Its vividly drawn characters, and descriptions of places you thought you knew will have you turning pages well into the wee hours.
Justin and Linda spent seven years traveling between France, Ireland, Scotland, and their much-loved Cornwall. They lived on board a classic boat which they built themselves, as amateurs - starting with the trees - having lost their house in an uninsured fire.
Brilliantly written, and laugh-out-loud funny - follow them as they forage the low-water shores meeting the strange, quirky, but always entertaining folk who make their living by the sea; voyage with them through the bumps and breakages of learning to handle their craft; and meet the unusual folk who live on board boats frugally at the top of creeks, or lavishly - sailing the seven seas.
Its vividly drawn characters, and descriptions of places you thought you knew will have you turning pages well into the wee hours.
- GenresNonfiction
258 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 7, 2013
If you harbour romantic dreams of sustainable living and a slower pace of life then I'd thoroughly recommend Phoenix From The Ashes. Following the life of Justin and Linda as they recover from the sudden inferno and destruction of their home, this account is a modern day adventure story of overcoming the odds and being honest to your dreams.
For most of us deciding to build a traditional timber sailing boat and then to live aboard would be a step too far but for the Ruthven-Tyers family they did just that. Embracing human goodwill and good faith Justin and Linda created a new life for themselves learning boatbuilding skills, traditional sailing styles to allow them to explore hidden anchorages and small communities around the rugged coastlines of Cornwall and the coast of Ireland and Scotland. The simple pleasures of finding new places, beautiful sunsets, collecting firewood and meeting new people are beautifully detailed and a true inspiration.
For most of us deciding to build a traditional timber sailing boat and then to live aboard would be a step too far but for the Ruthven-Tyers family they did just that. Embracing human goodwill and good faith Justin and Linda created a new life for themselves learning boatbuilding skills, traditional sailing styles to allow them to explore hidden anchorages and small communities around the rugged coastlines of Cornwall and the coast of Ireland and Scotland. The simple pleasures of finding new places, beautiful sunsets, collecting firewood and meeting new people are beautifully detailed and a true inspiration.
October 4, 2020
Loved this book, especially being Lizard-based. Justin is beautifully descriptive without being flowery and has a great, dry sense of humour (often the subject of his own jokes). I laughed my way through the chapters, enjoying every minute of Justin and Linda’s experiences: the places they saw, the people they met along the way, the hardships of fingers and thumbs, and the lovely dynamic between the two of them.
I could all but feel the wind in my hair and the salt on my skin.
I could all but feel the wind in my hair and the salt on my skin.
June 28, 2020
I loved everything about this book. It was perfect and it will make you want to live on a boat (more than you already do).
June 16, 2012
I was really leery about the quality of the giveaway books. This was the first one that I received and it was delightful. The characters described along the journey were tremendously interesting and I found myself laughing at every page. I'm from the other side of the ocean and a confirmed landlubber, so I read the book with my electronic dictionary in hand, but that too was a joy because I feel cheated if I haven't learned something new from a book. "Phoenix From the Ashes" greatly expanded my vocabulary and my understanding of Britain and Scotland. Thank you, Justin and Linda, for taking me along on a journey I would not otherwise have opportunity to enjoy. May your journey produce a sequel in like form.
July 16, 2012
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway and really liked it. It was all fast paced and I would have liked to hear more about the struggles of the build, but overall it was well done. The author talks about all the crazy people that live on boats (not them of course) and the numerous times they almost kill themselves which weaves into an amusing narrative. It will also give you a feel for coastal Britain and Ireland and brings out the similarities and difference of each port they find themselves in.
The end was a little abrupt, but could lead into a follow-on book with the continued adventures of Caol Ila, which I wouldn't mind reading as long as the author could keep the material fresh.
The end was a little abrupt, but could lead into a follow-on book with the continued adventures of Caol Ila, which I wouldn't mind reading as long as the author could keep the material fresh.
April 11, 2016
I enjoyed this. Easy to read - the author is a good storyteller - the book flips easily between the 'story' and the anecdotes.
There are a variety of sailing tales, boat building anecdotes and also general observational writing about people in this book. Fun, humorous and also a reminder that life can be more than offices and salaries.
If I had the skills to both make a boat like Caol Ila and also write like this I'd be very happy.
There are a variety of sailing tales, boat building anecdotes and also general observational writing about people in this book. Fun, humorous and also a reminder that life can be more than offices and salaries.
If I had the skills to both make a boat like Caol Ila and also write like this I'd be very happy.
February 7, 2016
Some books need to be written, this is one of them.
You have to take your hat off Justin Tyers, few folk have the vision or the determination. BUY THIS BOOK. Its a delight to read!
You have to take your hat off Justin Tyers, few folk have the vision or the determination. BUY THIS BOOK. Its a delight to read!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews