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Scuba
Jimmy Olsen was born to tell stories of adventure, and this, his fourth book of fiction, does not disappoint. It carries us to the brink of a life we could all do more than imagine had we the nerve to accept its risks and dangers. Meanwhile, Olsen's stories open the door a crack and his characters beckon us inside to turn the pages.
387 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 16, 2019
SCUBA begins with an 1806 sea battle between British warships and the Frech ship the Imperial, a first-rater with 120 guns which would ordinarily destroy the British ships on the open sea, but the British catch the French flat-footed, anchored at fictional Charming Island in the Caribbean. Most of their fighting men are on liberty on the island. The British destroy the mighty ship and set her afire.
After the battle a shanghaied American named Reggie Wilson tries to escape. Unfortunately he is confronted and killed by a Frenchman with the same thing in mind. His name is Javert.
Okay, we know this book has something to do with scuba diving, so what does the battle have to do with anything? We jump ahead to 20th century Minnesota where young Warren Wilson has saved up $500 to learn how to scuba dive from Freddie the Frogman, a former Navy UDT (think SEALS) sailor. This is where Warren meets Freddie's feisty daughter, Ruth, with whom he immediately falls in love, but he doesn't show it much. When he graduates from high school he enlists in the Navy to fight in Vietnam. Bad move, where the relationship is concerned. By the time Warren's tour ends, Ruth is a senior in college; he's a freshman on the G.I. bill. And she's a demonstrator against the war.
Author Jimmy Olsen is very good at making connections. Warren winds up captaining a tour boat in the Caribbean; in order to whip the boat into shape, Captain Will, as he calls himself, must borrow money from a fat conniver named Javert. Too much of a coincidence? Warren has heard that story about his ancestor thousands of times and he didn't know Reggie. But he's pretty much enslaved to Javert because of the debt. By this time Warren has a mistress named Rosa who has an illegitimate son, Armando, who thinks Captain Will is his dad, or rather, Armando wants Will to be his dad. Another connection is the Imperial, whose wreck Will has spent years looking for.
OK, where's the conflict? The island is going to vote on independence from the British. Javert tells Will he will tear up the mortgage on the boat if Will does some gun running for him. Will eventually agrees. Javert wants independence because he wants to dredge the channel to make it easier for tourist ships to anchor near the island. Javert fancies himself becoming a low rent dictator.
Now we need a cast of characters. Will is a regular sourpuss; he doesn't have many friends, except for Myron, another old frogman who's a touch senile and a lot drunk most of the time. Myron knows Freddie the Frogman from WWII; he invites Freddie and Ruth, who's recently lost her anti-Vietnam War husband to visit. So the conflict is whether Will still loves Ruth and what does this mean for Rosa and Armando? Other characters who feature in the plot are the Whites, Judy Ann and Bobby from Texas, whom Will is teaching how to snorkel. They're not your typical tourists. They grow on you. Another difference is the Pentecostal natives who feature in the election, which Javert tries to rig. There's a scene where Rosa thinks about killing someone who tried to kill her. Her Pentecostal friend won't let her do it. Of course there are villains; Wesley Bens is the most deplorable. He's a British, Cuban commando who's a born killer. He works for Javert, along with a small group of Cuban commandos who will use force if necessary.
This is an enjoyable book. You will identify with Will and Rosa and you many even be tempted to learn how to scuba dive and visit the Caribbean, where the author spent five years of his life teaching scuba diving.
After the battle a shanghaied American named Reggie Wilson tries to escape. Unfortunately he is confronted and killed by a Frenchman with the same thing in mind. His name is Javert.
Okay, we know this book has something to do with scuba diving, so what does the battle have to do with anything? We jump ahead to 20th century Minnesota where young Warren Wilson has saved up $500 to learn how to scuba dive from Freddie the Frogman, a former Navy UDT (think SEALS) sailor. This is where Warren meets Freddie's feisty daughter, Ruth, with whom he immediately falls in love, but he doesn't show it much. When he graduates from high school he enlists in the Navy to fight in Vietnam. Bad move, where the relationship is concerned. By the time Warren's tour ends, Ruth is a senior in college; he's a freshman on the G.I. bill. And she's a demonstrator against the war.
Author Jimmy Olsen is very good at making connections. Warren winds up captaining a tour boat in the Caribbean; in order to whip the boat into shape, Captain Will, as he calls himself, must borrow money from a fat conniver named Javert. Too much of a coincidence? Warren has heard that story about his ancestor thousands of times and he didn't know Reggie. But he's pretty much enslaved to Javert because of the debt. By this time Warren has a mistress named Rosa who has an illegitimate son, Armando, who thinks Captain Will is his dad, or rather, Armando wants Will to be his dad. Another connection is the Imperial, whose wreck Will has spent years looking for.
OK, where's the conflict? The island is going to vote on independence from the British. Javert tells Will he will tear up the mortgage on the boat if Will does some gun running for him. Will eventually agrees. Javert wants independence because he wants to dredge the channel to make it easier for tourist ships to anchor near the island. Javert fancies himself becoming a low rent dictator.
Now we need a cast of characters. Will is a regular sourpuss; he doesn't have many friends, except for Myron, another old frogman who's a touch senile and a lot drunk most of the time. Myron knows Freddie the Frogman from WWII; he invites Freddie and Ruth, who's recently lost her anti-Vietnam War husband to visit. So the conflict is whether Will still loves Ruth and what does this mean for Rosa and Armando? Other characters who feature in the plot are the Whites, Judy Ann and Bobby from Texas, whom Will is teaching how to snorkel. They're not your typical tourists. They grow on you. Another difference is the Pentecostal natives who feature in the election, which Javert tries to rig. There's a scene where Rosa thinks about killing someone who tried to kill her. Her Pentecostal friend won't let her do it. Of course there are villains; Wesley Bens is the most deplorable. He's a British, Cuban commando who's a born killer. He works for Javert, along with a small group of Cuban commandos who will use force if necessary.
This is an enjoyable book. You will identify with Will and Rosa and you many even be tempted to learn how to scuba dive and visit the Caribbean, where the author spent five years of his life teaching scuba diving.
March 25, 2019
“Warren dropped into the water, relieved to be free, and sank to the bottom. A sinking most people experience only in the first stage of drowning, but for Warren, a familiar weightless transition from air to liquid, care to carefree.” -Scuba page 190
Scuba by Jimmy Olsen takes readers on a journey into another world. One that very much exists, just one that is not frequently discussed in books. The story begins on the seas in the year 1806. An epic ship battle occurs. Then fast forward to the year 1961, Warren Wilson takes an interest in diving. He has heard the stories of his ancestors and dreams of making the discovery of the ship. The book then narrates Wilson’s life. He has a life of heartbreak which pushes him into a more unconventional way of living. This leads him to become a dive captain on Charming Island. Hoping for a life of peace instead is faced with a danger that threatens those he loves most.
This book is definitely a life epic. It is not just a story, but a life story. Not only that it weaves a little history into it as well. I love how the book begins with an epic battle on the seas. It sets the pace for the rest of the novel. There are some points where the narrative is a bit slow but it starts strong and ends strong. Even though I enjoyed this read, I felt that the writing was more the author telling a story, rather than showing. I wasn’t completely immersed in the story.
However, I love the knowledge that the author has about scuba diving. His education definitely shows, which really adds to the depth of the story. I wasn’t a huge fan of the main character Warren Wilson, but I definitely love Rosa. She was a strong character, who loved fiercely.
Overall, I rate this story 3 out of 5 stars. If you love epics with a little history involved then this book is for you.
Scuba by Jimmy Olsen takes readers on a journey into another world. One that very much exists, just one that is not frequently discussed in books. The story begins on the seas in the year 1806. An epic ship battle occurs. Then fast forward to the year 1961, Warren Wilson takes an interest in diving. He has heard the stories of his ancestors and dreams of making the discovery of the ship. The book then narrates Wilson’s life. He has a life of heartbreak which pushes him into a more unconventional way of living. This leads him to become a dive captain on Charming Island. Hoping for a life of peace instead is faced with a danger that threatens those he loves most.
This book is definitely a life epic. It is not just a story, but a life story. Not only that it weaves a little history into it as well. I love how the book begins with an epic battle on the seas. It sets the pace for the rest of the novel. There are some points where the narrative is a bit slow but it starts strong and ends strong. Even though I enjoyed this read, I felt that the writing was more the author telling a story, rather than showing. I wasn’t completely immersed in the story.
However, I love the knowledge that the author has about scuba diving. His education definitely shows, which really adds to the depth of the story. I wasn’t a huge fan of the main character Warren Wilson, but I definitely love Rosa. She was a strong character, who loved fiercely.
Overall, I rate this story 3 out of 5 stars. If you love epics with a little history involved then this book is for you.
June 9, 2019
This book was given to me as a gift and was a delightful surprise.
SCUBA has all the elements I enjoy in a story. It begins in the past with an inconsequential event at the end of a sea battle in 1806. One American sailor from the British fleet, Reggie Wilson and one from the sinking Imperial, a French vessel, Francois Javert, each take the opportunity to flee from opposite sides of the carnage. Reggie wants to return to his pregnant wife in Baltimore, leave the navy and governments who wage war with the fodder of faceless conscripted sailors. When they run into each other Javert kills Wilson. The ripples from this small, ordinary moment in history sets in motion waves which becomes this story.
We meet young Warren Wilson in 1961, a descendant of Reggie, who’s dream is to become a ‘frogman’. I believe this desire stems from two sources. The first and most dominant is that young Warren knows his family history and wants to find the wreck of the Imperial. The lesser reason is that his older brother died by drowning while saving little Warren’s life. The complexity of the two drives are strongly embedded in all that Warren does.
Certified as a scuba diver before he’s out of school, Warren continues his path by joining the Navy and going to Viet Nam. After the war the young man travels to the Caribbean and the pace of the book really picks up. Each page building upon the last as the plot twists with unexpected turns.
Jimmy Olsen’s writing is both smooth and exciting. The characters are well developed with human strengths and frailties that are entirely believable so much so that the lines blur between fiction and non-fiction. SCUBA is realistic and of cinematic quality. I highly recommend the book to any who love adventure.
SCUBA has all the elements I enjoy in a story. It begins in the past with an inconsequential event at the end of a sea battle in 1806. One American sailor from the British fleet, Reggie Wilson and one from the sinking Imperial, a French vessel, Francois Javert, each take the opportunity to flee from opposite sides of the carnage. Reggie wants to return to his pregnant wife in Baltimore, leave the navy and governments who wage war with the fodder of faceless conscripted sailors. When they run into each other Javert kills Wilson. The ripples from this small, ordinary moment in history sets in motion waves which becomes this story.
We meet young Warren Wilson in 1961, a descendant of Reggie, who’s dream is to become a ‘frogman’. I believe this desire stems from two sources. The first and most dominant is that young Warren knows his family history and wants to find the wreck of the Imperial. The lesser reason is that his older brother died by drowning while saving little Warren’s life. The complexity of the two drives are strongly embedded in all that Warren does.
Certified as a scuba diver before he’s out of school, Warren continues his path by joining the Navy and going to Viet Nam. After the war the young man travels to the Caribbean and the pace of the book really picks up. Each page building upon the last as the plot twists with unexpected turns.
Jimmy Olsen’s writing is both smooth and exciting. The characters are well developed with human strengths and frailties that are entirely believable so much so that the lines blur between fiction and non-fiction. SCUBA is realistic and of cinematic quality. I highly recommend the book to any who love adventure.
May 2, 2019
Things take on an unusual turn when Warren Wilson takes a journey that will span the course of many lives. He decides to become involved in scuba diving and then things take on many turns. Meeting Freddy the Frogman and his daughter Ruth. But it all starts with the battle between the British and the French and the sinking of the Imperial.
Things take on an unusual turn when Warren Wilson takes a journey that will span the course of many lives. He decides to become involved in scuba diving and then things take on many turns. Meeting Freddy the Frogman and his daughter Ruth. But it all starts with the battle between the British and the French and the sinking of the Imperial. This story is about Warren Wilson and his life’s choices. The embarks on a journey to learn the inner sources and workings of scuba diving. In the interim he meets the White, Rosa and her son Armando and becomes the captain of his own boat. Reflecting on his life when he was safe in the water by his brother who dies and has felt a source of guilt ever since. His parents loved him, yet he estranged himself from them and even though when his mother dies, he receives her words he chooses to tear them apart.
Within this novel we meet Wesley Bens and a man name Javert who works with him and wants to take Charming Island and declare freedom. Meeting Rosa and her son takes him to another place as she is black, and many show their prejudice and hate.
Javert is non violent and yet people fear him. Warren is ruthless and aligned with a man named Javert and his man Wesley Bens who is dangerous. Life takes on many bends and turns as he becomes the Captain of the Esteban named for his brother. The guilt never leaves him as author Jimmy Olsen advances the years and we meet Freddy and Ruth, Warren’s first love as she and Rosa clash at first. Tensions rise as the residents of Charming Island must decide on the referendum for independence or remain a British colony. The man in charge of law enforcement is Cumberbatch and Captain George is aligned with Bens and Javert.
The world is difficult at this time and the result is that Warren aligns with Javert, risks the lives of many that are close to him and the result is that some will die, and others injured. His relationship with Rosa is special but for how long will she allow him in her bed and not as one. Rosa is smart and although she is often shunned
Guns, weapons and ammunition are what’s at stake as Will has to deliver them to Javert and hopefully get his mortgage for his boat paid. Tensions rise and Bens comes after Rosa as her son becomes a great asset to Will and the White family joins the quest and injuries happen and lives are changed.
Warren’s past comes into play and Rosa hides much from him because of it. Angry and upset at times. Reggie in the present has secrets of his own and we meet Marty and his father. Many colorful characters that create the intrigue in this plot. But the underwater scenes are what makes it come alive. When the dives occur, and the Imperial is found what each party keeps and unlocks the secrets beneath the water.
Bobby is a great character and just wants to be accepted and part of the crew and when he gets hurt you can feel the anguish and the pain within the hearts of his parents and Warren. But people change and when Rosa combats Bens in a scene that says so much, you realize the kindness in her heart along with her will to fight back at all odds. At the heart of the novel is the controversy over the vote for freedom. Some feel they are free, and that the government does not impost taxes that they do not need, or enslave them while others want what Javert is claiming is needed independence but at what cost?
Armando is amazing and wants Warren to consider him brave, smart and able to handle any tasks given even though he is still a child and the praise given to him says it all. Even the critiques are well balanced, and he understands what needs to be done in order to be in his favor. With a mother like Rosa he must win, but will they?
A story vividly depicted, graphically told and engages the reader from start to finish as author Jimmy Olsen has made those of us that know little about diving, the ways of the seaman, the corruption that some will go to many lengths in order to gain wealth, this book teaches many lessons. Power, greed, understanding, faith, betrayals, love, and destinies that change as well as the minds and hearts of some of those involved.
The final scenes will hold your breathless, blinded by the water and its brilliance and the result will shock readers. Will they vote for freedom? What will the final conflict between Warren and Javert be? Who will win or will it be a draw? What about Bens and all his injuries what will his final fate be, and will anyone realize that changes can happen? Why does Rosa feel compassion towards someone as dangerous as Bens? What about law enforcement how will they react at the end? What about Warren and Rosa? Some endings might surprise you and be beginnings as one letter might have said more than a thousand words and been discarded but when reread can change a life and a lifetime. Characters that are well developed, a plot that draws you in and an author to watch in the future.
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