Captain, My Captain

by Deborah Meroff

Captain, my captain [paperback] Meroff, Deborah [Jan 01, 1985]

Genres: Fiction

213 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Kaitlyn S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried. This one did NOT end the way I was expecting . . a real review will be coming soon =)

[Katrina Van Grouw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story that kept me engaged in reading. I like the fact that it is based on a true story. Mary, the main character, is petulant and aggravating for the first half of the book, but it was nice to watch her grow. I really didn't like the aspect of her being 15 being married to someone 10 years older than her...unfortunately I suppose that's the reality in those days. Overall a fairly engaging book, but nothing I would remember.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for fiction set aboard sailing ships, so that made me a bit more forgiving of some of the problems than I normally would be. The Christian element was heavy-handed and didn't really blend in with the rest of the story. Also, the ending was rather depressing and lacked a feeling of resolution.

[Camiwar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical novel. I had never before heard about this heroic young woman who took over the navigation of a ship when her husband, the captain became ill. This occurred in 1856.

[Lisa Rathbun]

This book is "a romantic novel based on a true life account set in the days of the California gold rush and the New England shipping boom. Mary Patten barely knew her new husband Joshua before they set sail in a clipper race from New York to San Francisco around Cape Horn . . . Not only did Mary and Joshua Patten discover the secrets of enduring love, but they encountered the one true Captain who alone could safely guide them." (from the blurb on the back of the book). I was interested enough to finish reading it because I wanted to know what happened, but this story just seemed a bit old-fashioned. I dislike stories about feisty young wives and fusty older husbands, however common such marriages may have been historically. I quickly grow bored of scenes where she finds him to be too slow and steady while he sternly lectures her for her light ways. The story just didn't capture the flavor of the sea for me very well. The ending was surprising, but since it's based on a true story, real events must have led the author to the conclusion she did. Overall, it just wasn't convincing to me.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of historical fiction I really liked this book, a romantic, tear-jerker about Mary Patton. She reluctantly left her family and boarded a clipper ship in the mid 1800's with her new husband as they began their new life together. Their relationship was very Scarlett/Rhett-like and I liked how that was written: very passionate, but pride intervening making them say what they don't mean and misinterpreting each other. I didn't realize until the end the story rwas based on a true couple and as true stories go, tissues are involved in the reading of this book. Oh and I most loved finding out who the true Captain is.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in Highschool, and I have looked for it ever since. It is based on the real life of a young woman who married a Sea Cpatain and tells the story of she learned to love and really care about the man she married. It is very romantic and a tear jerker. It is a fast easy read, and one that I could go back to every year...just for the fun of it. Of course I always like a story that is based a little on fact and real people anyway...

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the time of clipper ships and the California Gold Rush, a fifteen-year old girl marries a handsome ship captain, and they sail around the world. Their adventures are chronicled by the young wife in first person, and the ending is such a surprise. For a fast and entertaining read, I recommend this book.

[Charity U · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this one a while back and enjoyed it on the main. However, the ending was a bittersweet one...bitter enough to make me cry, and most books that make me cry, I don't like. The ending ruined it for me. Now for YOU, it may be different, I don't know.

[K.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked it up on impulse, but was pleasantly surprised. Would have to say that some of the views are outdated, particularly in the women's rights context.

The read was easy, and it's perfect Sunday afternoon book.

[Anna]

I loved this book when I read it as a 10 year old. Fantastic story for a young girl. It was a favorite. As an adult- the prose is too descriptive of what is happening and I was unable to enjoy it upon a re-read.

[Livi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the only book that I have ever SOBBED MY GUTS OUT when reading it. I cried for just about a whole chapter I think. Had to put it down because I was crying!

[Donna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical non-fiction if there's such a category. Negatives were the main characters whining and lack of sex; surely that had sex on a 180+day ship ride to pass the time, if nothing else!

[Hannah klockner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, but I would like a more up beat book. I thought this book was a little slow and most of the setting was on a boat so there wasn't much that could happen.

[Laura Bosch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have to reread (15 years ago?) but I remember enjoying it. Bittersweet, somewhat of a choppy read.