A quick note: After posting my first review, the author was quick to clear up several misconceptions I had about the book; which, in turn, changed my entire view of the book. Thank you for clearing this up. I would like to apologize to Pierre for my complete misunderstanding of the entire story. In hopes to remedy my mistakes, I quickly re-wrote the review.
Captain Rum: A Wondrous Adventure
By John Perrier and edited by Professor H. D. Lampluck
Captain Rum: A Wondrous Adventure is the story of a sailor’s journal from 1821. It takes readers on a self-sponsored ocean voyage with Captain Fintan McAdam for almost 6 months. His story begins with his trip preparations, while he gives us a bit of personal background about himself, his parents and wife, all of which have passed. We quickly learn how his loneliness has brought a fondness of whiskey, as well as, an inability to control his mind and actions, once the whiskey has taken effect.
The author wrote a nine page introduction explaining how the journal was found and tested for authenticity. Pierre then goes through the editing process in extreme detail, along with a picture of the original writing, to explain the need for editing.
I have to admit, it is an imaginative story; however I have a few questions:
Why go through the explanation of how the journal was found?
“I hereby undertake not to remove from the Library ... any volume, document or other object belonging to it....”
Part of the Reader’s Pledge, which everyone must take before entering the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. Thankfully, I accidentally broke this rule, or this extraordinary tale might never have been discovered.
Prof. H.D. (Bert) Lampluck
Why go through the trouble of sharing a non-existent process of having the journal’s authenticity confirmed?
… so I wrote myself a note to return the book to the library when I returned home. With nothing else to occupy my time, I browsed through a few entries... When I returned to Oxford, I was so excited about the journal that my first visit … the Dean of Maritime History. Even someone with the Professor’s unique experience was fascinated by the diary. We agreed that the mysterious Captain deserved further investigation. It took me only a month to uncover some basic facts about the author, Captain Fintan McAdam. He was born in 1794 ….
After these brief mentions, the historical record of McAdam ran cold. …I was concerned that it might be a well-crafted fake. With the help of a technical team … I conducted some tests. First, I performed a microscopic analysis of the paper, which showed that its source was probably the paper millers William Smedley and Co, who manufactured at that time in nearby Wales. Second, I analysed (analyzed) and dated the ink, which proved that it was from squid, which McAdam could have easily obtained and applied via a feather quill. The text, like the paper, was approximately 200 years old. Finally, I performed the simplest and perhaps most important test of all: the book smelt of the ocean and had a salty taste. Yes, I did lick it! These tests indicated that the journal was a genuine 1820s ship’s log, and an authentic record of the travels of Captain Fintan McAdam. Now for the first time I humbly present the journey of Captain Rum, in his own words…
With those last words, come my next question; why take the readers’ time to disclose the editing?
A note from the editor regarding the transcription
As the editor of this manuscript, I had the responsibility to decide what material to include and what to omit. I must confess to slightly altering the original document, rather than transcribing it with literal precision. While some readers might feel that this detracts from its original charm, the changes greatly simplify the text’s readability…
Why not just start with his story?
Did Perrier do this to help readers feel as though they are involved in the stories? Most writers do this with imagery and brilliant writing skills. Though I found the story quite entertaining; I couldn’t get pass the lack of imagery. I just could not get “involved” with the writing. Perhaps writing this story as a journal was a way of disguising the lack of this particular writing talent.
Once I was able to push through to the ending, which was an accomplishment; I was left with a feeling that I just read a combination of drunken illusions, deliria from heat, and a crazy wild kind of imagination, separated by very sad, lonely, and mundane daily routines. In despite of the boring sections; I enjoyed reading most of this story. I enjoy the strange and unbelievable tales; so if you do too, this is the book for you. It’s a long read and requires the readers complete attention, but if you stick with it, you might find it worth the time.
It obvious Perrier is an intelligent man; he makes this quite obvious in his non-fiction books. I give Captain Rum: A Wondrous Adventure, an overall rating of two stars. I enjoyed it, but there are so many other ways it could have been better.