Dark Noon

by Tom Clavin

Dark Noon is the mesmerizing re-creation of a fateful day at sea. It is also a story of the postwar American dream as experienced in the fishing village of Montauk, Long Island, where fish were money and where optimism and success went hand in hand. And it’s a story of the end of an era, when one terrible disaster changed the fishing culture of a prosperous port forever. “Meticulously researched. A fascinating story.”-- Distinction “A first-rate reportorial job that builds to a taut and suspenseful climax of incredible detail. The harrowing description of men gaff-hooked out of the churning swells is unforgettable.”-- The Independent

Genres: Nonfiction, History

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Tom Clavin is the author/coauthor of eleven books. His most recent is That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas.

His articles have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Men's Journal, Parade, Reader's Digest, and others.

He was a contributing reporter for the New York Times for fifteen years.

Reviews

[David Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read on a snowy day...

[Gabe Rothauser · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of an overloaded party boat, the Pelican, that sank off montauk point as a result of an unexpected storm on Labor Day 1951. Extensive before and after accounts of the people who survived and those who did not. Lots of dramatic telling of the rescue operation by fellow fishing boatmen

[Dan Mildbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely shocking book. I will forever change my view on water safety after reading this.

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written account. Near and dear to my heart given my families presence on Long Island from the 1600s to today - a history of rum running, long lining, tugboats and charter boats.

[Heather]

OG Book Club

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Admired how the author made the individuals in the story "real" in a brief amount of time. Could easily visualize events.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the fishing vessel, The Pelican, that went down Labor Day weekend 1951 off the coast of Montauk, Long Island. I picked up the book last year on Labor Day weekend out in Montauk where the author was having a book signing, and was quietly surprised to find it compelling and interesting.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Montauk lovers! Could not put this book down! True story about the Pelican disaster of 1951. The Pelican was a party boat that capsized off Montauk Lighthouse. Lots of Montauk history contained in this book.

[Gordon Lamothe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked Perfect Storm, you will love this book. Although you know what happens, there is still suspense. Recommend this book for all. If you were disappointed by "The Lost Boys of Montauk" because there was very little talk of the boat, this is the book you expected.