Riddle of the Waves

by Steven Price Brown (contributor)

Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Ireland - every crewmember aboard the Spirit of Falmouth had served in one of these trouble spots, had had almost unimaginably traumatic experiences there, and then had trouble readjusting to civilian life. Some were hospitalised, others ended up living on the streets, many of them found themselves alone and isolated.This unique and inspiring account follows the Spirit of Falmouth's June 2016 voyage around the country these men had sworn to protect. The tall ship is the last remaining Merseyside Pilot Schooner, and the voyage was organised by veterans' charity Turn To Starboard to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the pilot service. The route took the men from Falmouth back to Liverpool, where the service started in 1766, the long way.For many of the men it was a pilgrimage, visiting the places they cherish, family homes, spiritual places, the homes of their heroes. It was a chance for each of them all to finally put to bed the issues they all faced when returning to civilian life. Sailing proved to be greatly restorative, helping them to find purpose in their lives, friendship after months of isolation and finally to regain their sense of worth.This is the story of the Spirit of Falmouth's crew - dramatic, uplifting, moving, and told with the inevitable darkly hilarious humour of those who have served.

Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2017

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simply written account of a trip taken around Britain by a group of people involved in the Turn to Starboard charity, which uses sailing to help UK veterans get back on their feet.

I really enjoyed the writing style - straightforward, without flourish, but with a compelling honesty and humour that has always appealed to me. Interspersed amongst the tale of the sailing trip itself, are accounts of people involved and how they came to be so.

It was fascinating to read of the different paths taken to get to where they are, and of how military life can affect people in vastly different ways. And it was heartening to read of those helping others to adjust to life in the "real world".

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone struggling with the aftereffects of military life, and to any who wish to educate themselves on that topic. I have a deep respect for those who choose to serve in the military and those who offer them critical support during their transition to civilian life.

[Kevin Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Well laid out. (easy to pick up and put down). Kept my interest to the end.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously funny, enjoyable, factual, humbling and inspiring book.

[Jo-Marie]

I read this on the recommendation of my neighbour who has just donated a sailing boat to the charity. Her husband is a retired career military man and they have obviously been touched by the work of Turn to Starboard. This is not the type of book I normally read but I read it because of my neighbours. It is an honest account of many stories that I am sure represent many other stories. The stories remind me of Simon Armitage’s poems in The Not Dead. I enjoyed the descriptions of the UK and the obvious adoration the author has for Great Britain’s land and history. My father is a Vietnam Veteran and he sure could have used the help that this charity provides!