The Master Mariner

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This final masterpiece by Nicholas Monsarrat is an epic tale of seafaring from the sixteenth century to the twentieth. The story is narrated by Mathew Lawe, a young Devon sailor cursed to wander "the wild waters till all the seas run dry" after an act of cowardice. While rooted in historical fiction, it intertwines real events and figures from maritime history. Lawe embodies the spirit of exploration and resilience, connecting a rich tapestry of nautical adventures. He encounters legendary figures such as Drake and the Armada, sails with Hudson in search of the North-West passage, and serves as a buccaneer under Sir Henry Morgan in the Caribbean. Lawe assists Samuel Pepys in his naval duties and stands alongside Captain Cook during the storming of Quebec, witnessing Cook's tragic death in the Pacific. He becomes part of Nelson's household, participating in key battles at the Nile, Naples, and Trafalgar. His journey also includes working on a slaver from Liverpool and being press-ganged aboard the Shannon before its duel with the American Chesapeake. Lawe explores the Arctic with Sir John Franklin and fights in both World Wars, including at Zebrugge and 'D' Day. His saga culminates with a harrowing encounter involving a burning tanker after the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This action-packed novel is both entertaining and instructive, widely acclaimed as a masterpiece.