Whiskey and Seaspray: Reminiscences of a Tramp Ship Voyage

by Norman Freeman

As related by the ship's radio officer, a tramp British flag steamer hauls a crew of astonishingly hard-drinking seaman and an ever diminishing cargo of Vat-69 scotch from Britain to North America in the twilight years of Britain's domestically crewed merchant service. A good sea yarn as well as an interesting piece of vanished maritime history.

Genres: Biography Memoir, Memoir, Nonfiction

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Neil]

Awesome book. A little hard to get a hold of but worth it. Hilarious.

[Michael Pruchnicki]

A book written from a sailor's perspective about a most unusual ship crewed by a motley collection of seafarers from his first sight of the "dirty old tub" MV Allenwell to the port of New Orleans.

[Joe Nelley]

Review: Seaspray and Whisky by Norman Freeman

I went into Seaspray and Whisky with fairly low expectations, and it ended up exceeding them. What I assumed might be a dry account of routine cargo work at sea became an unexpectedly engaging story, largely because I never quite knew how it would unfold.

Freeman brings real depth to the narrative through sharp observation. His descriptions of the behaviours, attitudes, and personalities of the men around him add texture and credibility, turning what could have been an ordinary account into something quietly compelling. There’s no attempt to dramatise events or inflate their importance, which makes the story feel all the more authentic.

It’s impressive how Freeman manages to hold the reader’s interest with what is, on the surface, a single man’s experience aboard a working cargo vessel in the 20th century. The appeal lies not in adventure, but in the honesty of the telling and the insight it offers into a way of life rarely written about.

[Henryk]

I found this book very entertaining, and factually sobering. From the perspective of someone who served as an officer in the British Merchant Navy during the same years sometimes with similar crews, I can identify with much of the same stories that abounded during those happy years. A thoroughly good read, a good tale of the sea, highly recommended - especially for anyone contemplating a life as a mariner.

[Tim]

Slightly appalled at this tale of sailors, but more in the sense of "so this is an example of why sailors have the reputation they have.

Well paced, good inside look at how the world of shipping works.

[Andre Noel]

Excellent book, it provides a humoristic view of life on a tramp cargo ship in 1960. A long-gone era !. It is an excellent read allowing to travel virtually while on lockdown during COVID 19

[Brad Erickson]

3.5 stars.

[Clare O'Beara]

This hilarious memoir of a Marconi officer on board a tramp cargo ship tells of a six-week bout of drunkenness by a large part of the crew, after a cargo of whiskey was broached.

We also experience the living conditions on board, both before and after the chief steward sobers up. There are high jinks and low cunning as the crew swill and fight their way around New Orleans and attract the attention of the FBI in Houston. Storms, appalling food, vulgar jokes from the captain and misery-making from the habitually sober are all set down by the quiet, light-drinking, Irish sparks.

Have fun.

[Dick]

It's good.

[Inga]

Freeman's memoir tells a great story with memorable descriptions. A great summer/beach read.

[Ian Pringle]

I was on the voyage and the one that followed as a Cadet

Ian Pringle

[bransom bean]

this is a REALLY good read - hoping there's a sequel

[Shelley]

I really enjoyed this book, it made me laugh a great deal. Particularly liked the scenes described in New Orleans. Some excellent characters, kept me amused throughout.

[Gary Barton]

Fun little book. I'd read something else from this same author too.