As We Sweep Through The Deep by Gordon Stables follows a young sailor who faces the dual challenges of love and duty while navigating life at sea. The narrative intertwines his emotional struggles with the demands of naval warfare, as he reflects on the time spent away from home and the financial difficulties facing his family. His connection to a young woman, who harbors feelings for him but is bound by family loyalty, creates a sense of longing and emotional conflict. Their separation highlights the difficulty of maintaining personal relationships in a time of war, and the sacrifices required to uphold a sense of duty. The story also touches on the courage and resilience needed to balance personal desires with the pressures of external circumstances. The protagonist’s journey is marked by emotional turmoil, as he grapples with the hardships of both love and duty. Through the relationships portrayed, the novel explores how individuals navigate longing, sacrifice, and courage amidst the backdrop of familial and societal expectations, creating a powerful reflection on the complexities of personal and emotional growth during times of conflict.
William Gordon Stables was a Scottish-born medical doctor in the Royal Navy and a prolific author of adventure fiction, primarily for boys. He also wrote books on health, fitness and medical subjects, and the keeping of cats and dogs.
This was a rollicking tale of sea battles, forbidden romance, and an avoidance of the actual plot. It was almost as if it was more focused on the excitement of sea battles than the actual romance and the story. That said, it was humorous and exciting and a good staple for my bookshelf!