Well Out to Sea

by Eva Murray

Eva Murray moved to Matinicus in 1987 to teach in its one-room school. She married an island man and stayed to raise their family there. Over the years she's written a number of lively columns and articles for mainland publications. But, as she says, she doesn't do lobster "If you're looking for a rabid, swashbuckling tell-all account of maritime outlaws or cut-throat lobstermen, you won't be very impressed. Yes, a rough side of this community exists, but in order to live here happily, I avoid cultivating fear. The same boys who might sprinkle roofing nails in a man's driveway, if they get mad enough, will rush to the same fellow's aid when he's in real danger, and that's the truth. Likewise, if you hope to relive an idyllic summer vacation or read an escape-to-Maine fantasy with the call of the loon and long walks on the beach, you might feel a bit short-changed. Astonishing natural beauty certainly exists on Matinicus Island, but I'm not working too hard to promote this place to visitors. The rare treat of an outer-island sunrise is a privilege for the deserving, which means for those who have endured the six months of gales or the six weeks of fog or the six days of waiting for the weather to break so the airplane can fly and they can get here. In the twenty-three years I have lived here, it's true there have been bullets. One, I think, flew right over my head a few years back. There has been vandalism, drunk driving, sabotage, theft, abuse of power, and people just acting like general-purpose jerks. Those things happen everywhere. There have also been heroic rescues, valiant searches for lost mariners, hospice care, fires fought, electricity restored, boats rescued, spontaneous celebrations and heartfelt acts of support, and graves dug by hand. In those things, we may be different from most places, and here's It is not strictly the certified professionals who fight the fires or care for the sick or save the drowning. It's just us."These are the stories of that unique community, of an interdependence that is all too rare these days but necessary for this island's survival. Murray writes with a keen eye and sharp wit, sharing stories that are sometimes poignant, sometimes mind-boggling, and often hilarious. She lives in a place where, "You love it, absolutely love it here, 51 percent of the time. That is enough to make you stay."

Genres: Memoir

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2010

Reviews

[Renee Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this look at island life, a collection of short essays that were published in a local newspaper. Unfortunately, as a collection in a book, some of the essays were a bit repetitive, which is the reason for three stars instead of four stars.

[Rachel Bellenoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read if you love the ocean, islands and nature.

[Traczie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, I would recommend this book to almost anyone. I really enjoyed learning about life on Matinicus, and there are some truly interesting stories that are in this book.

That aside, Murray's voice is extremely snarky and arrogant. I'm confused about who her target audience is in this book, besides someone who already thinks that she is the bee's knees. She not only attacks and complains about tourists, but mainlanders as well, while referencing local things like Uncle Henry's with absolutely no explanation of what they are. I almost wonder in writing this book, if she is not just trying to scare people away from Matinicus, for she seems to be fed up with our stupid questions, and broad assumptions. I became frustrated with her methods of addressing our misconceptions and dumb ideas of Matinicus through her use of sarcasm and belittlement. Part of my frustration also comes down to poor editing. I am not sure what her initial outlet for these stories was, but it reads much like a blog. It gets repetitive, and in that, I feel like I am being scolded over and over for initially having asked myself such questions as "What is the year-round population?" or "Is everyone a fisherman on this island?"

Yet, her story about the Harkness rescue is very beautiful and tenderly told, and is without comic aside, or chiding jokes at the cost of the reader. I enjoyed the story very much, and I wish the entire book was written more like that chapter.

I picked up this book to learn about Matinicus, not to be made fun of or picked on for how little I knew.

I also googled Melvin Frumpwort, and I'm pretty sure that he's made up.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found "Well Out to Sea" in the "Maine" section of a bookstore in Portland at the beginning of my first visit to the state. Thinking it might make a good travel companion if it was written well, I pulled it off the shelf and cracked it open to a random page. Within one paragraph, I had laughed out loud. Book sold.
It kept me company over the next week, not just occupying spare time but drawing me back again and again to its pages. It's a collection of short bits written over a span of years for various publications. The quick chapters made it an ideal road read; I could put the book down and do something else, come back and start the next chapter without losing track.
Other reviewers have noted that some themes are repetitive, and that's true. But the writing is not repetitive. The author's voice is lively and authentic. She can be funny in one essay, sentimental in the next, but she always comes across as an honest person with something to say. Yes, sometimes she is sarcastic, but then, so are many funny people. She is also affectionate, appreciative, clear-eyed, and optimistic.
I liked hanging out with Eva Murray in these pages. These are stories about her life. She makes it clear that the opinions are hers alone. She's not speaking for the islanders or trying to tell the reader anything but her own experiences and life lessons on Matinicus. There are fondly observed, respectfully rendered sketches of her neighbors, but in the end this is Eva's story, and a more lively, personal memoir you'd be hard-pressed to find.

[Elise Thanasouras · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dad told me to read this book, as he had flown Ms Murray on/off the island many times. On July 17th, 2011 my father was flying Ms Murray and 2 other female passengers off the island when 200 ft in air the plane's engine gave out. Within moments the plane and the four people were in the Atlantic Ocean...I'm happy to report that they all survived. I immediately read that book that had been sitting on my nightstand for months. I've yet to visit Matinicus but some say when I do, it will likely be via boat.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do geological research on Matinicus. This book was sent to me as a 'must read' prior to going to the island for three weeks. I'm so glad I did. It gave me an insight into island life and helped me understand my work in the context of the amazing people. Eva Murray is a delightful, sincere, witty author (and superb baker!). I am pleased to count her a friend.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book. The author has just the right amount of realism, sarcasm, humor and compassion for Matinicus and it's people. It was an easy book to pick up after an absence and get right back into her chronicles of life on this island.

[Lexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It is a collection of essays written by long-time Matinicus resident Eva Murray. Through her very funny, insightful writing, she shares all of the joy, struggle and occational heartache that is found living 22 miles out to sea. Highly reccomended.

[Sarah Laurence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a wonderful feel for island life in Maine. The author has a very strong, sardonic voice but she clearly loves her home. The narrative structure was choppy and episodic and some parts were more interesting than others. I read this to research a YA novel.

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book but I was dissappointed. It is a series of essays rather than a coherent book, so there is a lot of duplication and repetition. I also found it quite preachy, even snarky.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not uninteresting, but kind of repetitive. And the - first person - author is rather full of herself. Still, I'm not sorry I read it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

sarcastic, but witty and fun collection of essays about the realities of life on a small island in maine. a nice book to pick up and put down and pick up again whenever you're in the mood.