Aleria's Adventures

I first heard about Lisa Blair after news of her dismasting in the Southern Ocean some 1000 miles from anywhere in a furious storm. I was so moved by her story of courage and survival instinct that I nominated her for the OCC Seamanship Award, which she won. As the person responsible for the OCC PR effort, I then had the pleasure of corresponding with her to get information and photos I needed for press contacts. I was mightily impressed and inspired.  Imagine how thrilled I was when I learned a couple of years later that she was writing a book about her experience and she had joined the Women Who Sail Who Write group. I asked Lisa for an advance review copy which she gladly sent to me during lockdown from Australia (at great expense I noticed -- sorry about that Lisa -- next time pdf).  I have since devoured Facing Fear in two consecutive days. I couldn't put it down. She had me hooked from the first page. The first woman to circumnavigate Antarctica, she had intended to do ...

My book review from Goodreads... Daria Blackwell 's review May 07, 2020   ·    edit it was amazing Read 2 times. Last read April 20, 2020 to May 7, 2020. In marvellously entertaining style and with beautifully crafted language, Turtle dips us into and out of historical moments, some of which have great significance. From the emergence of life out of the oceans to pagan rituals adopted by Christian elders, to Vikings, kings, Knights Templar, Cromwell, wars, debauchery, harlots, and brothels and so much more, prepare to be whisked through forgotten or suppressed moments in time. The chapters are very short and easy to read, and the stories are mostly not connected, so it is possible to pick this book up for short stints over longer periods. It fills in many intervals of history that are perhaps less popular but nevertheless important in explaining how things evolved. The amount of research that had to go into this book is mind-boggling. Thank you,...

My review for Goodreads... Daria Blackwell 's review May 07, 2020   ·    edit it was amazing Read 2 times. Last read November 7, 2019 to November 8, 2019. I loved this book. I am a bluewater sailor, and I found his account as a novice taking on the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland refreshing. I know that coast well and always find it mesmerizing, so I found it fascinating that he too saw in it what I know. The magical, mystical majesty of it. I saw it freshly though his fascination. I found it interesting that Marsden has such a depth of knowledge of Irish history, lore and language. Since I moved to Ireland, I have been learning and sharing the history and lore especially of the islands off the west coast, and this is exactly what Marsden does. He colours in the details with a depth of understanding that a reader needs to experience this place. The sailing aspect of it should not make anyone shy away as it is not overwhelming in...