Title: A Tanimbar Experience
Author: Russ Swan
Publisher: BookVenture Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1640699472
Pages: 210
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed By: Jennifer Weiss
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Delma has never given sailing a second thought; it was just not something she had the desire to do. If anything she viewed sailing out beyond the harbor as terrifying, horrifying if you will. What would have possessed her to suggest sailing across the sea to a group of islands in the far regions of Indonesia? Why would she think this was a great idea? In Russ Swan’s book titled A Tanimbar Experience, the yacht is an 8 tonne, 30-foot long vessel, with a crew of 4 people, 2 of whom had never sailed before. The Skipper aboard this yacht describes the open water experience including incidents and events along the journey until they return home to Australia. This story is filled with humor, adventure, and interesting history from the locals in this region. This is a sea-faring story which should not be missed.
Swan has an interesting chronicle style writing with embellishments, one which on the surface seems to merely be about sailing and the adventures a couple and their friends experience along the way, but it is so much more. Right off the bat we are regaled with the knowledge that Delma does not like sailing, her husband knows this and is taken back by her suggestion to join this venture in the first place. So readers are already wondering why Delma has changed her mind and wanted to go on this trip. Swan does a great job at providing his readers with vivid descriptions of not only the setting, but also the emotions and inner thoughts of “the crew.” It felt easy to get attached to the characters and feel a longing to see what will happen next. One can’t help but feel closeness to these people.
What helps make readers feel invested and involved in the story is that Swan includes navigation charts, notes, photographs and other useful information to give the reader a better understanding about the things he was describing. These elements give the readers a deep respect for sailing and the turmoil which the sailors encountered. Readers get a sense of oneness with the story with the help of these items, add quality and depth to an already alluring adventure. Swan has a way with weaving his words into the book that not only captivates his audience but paints a picture. One a reader cannot find anywhere else. You get the sense of a rich life experience written within these pages, and that jumps out at you and remains solid until the closing of this book.
A Tanimbar Experience is an interesting book to read, and while sea-faring stories might not be everyone’s cup of tea, one shouldn’t go into reading this book with that in mind. There is so much more to this book than sailing. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys open sea stories, memories, or a good book to snuggle up with. It is beautifully lyrically written which will make readers feel they are sailing the open seas as well.
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