22 Escape Stories by Various Authors ISBN 0 7064 1174 9
Nicholas Monsarrat Books
March 22, 1910 – August 8, 1979
Nicholas Monsarrat transitioned from law to a writing career, delving into social and political issues. His World War II naval experiences profoundly shaped his subsequent literary output, particularly his acclaimed sea stories that unflinchingly depicted the harsh realities of wartime service. Later, drawing on his diplomatic postings, he explored the complexities of British colonial Africa and human relationships within that context. Monsarrat's writing is distinguished by its realistic portrayal of challenging circumstances and its insightful examination of characters confronting extreme adversity.
The Cruel Sea
- 520 pages
- 19 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of World War II in the North Atlantic, the narrative follows British ships Compass Rose and Saltash as they engage in a perilous struggle against Nazi U-boats. The novel captures themes of endurance and bravery, showcasing the intense cat-and-mouse dynamics of naval warfare. Originally published in 1951, it has earned its status as a classic, reflecting the harrowing experiences faced by those at sea during this tumultuous period.
Liverpool Docks, on Merseyside - a senseless strike threatens to delay the departure of an ocean liner. As the last of the passengers come aboard, including the shipping line's chairman, the drama increases with the threatened walk-out of the stewards. Below deck, agitation and unrest mount as the tide water rises and the vital hour for sailing approaches.
Father Salvatore was a simple, lumbering priest, a kappillan serving the poor Valetta, when war came out of the blue skies to pound the island to dust. Now amid the catacombs discovered by a chance bomb, he cared for the flood of homeless, starving, frightened people who sought shelter from the death that fell unceasingly from the sky. His story, and the story of Malta, is told in superbly graphic pictures of six days during the siege. Each of those days brought forth from the kappillan a message of inspiration to keep them going - the legendary tales of six mighty events of Malta's history which shone through the centuries and gathered them together in a fervent belief in their survival.
The Tribe That Lost its Head
- 512 pages
- 18 hours of reading
Five hundred miles off the southwest coast of Africa lies the island of Pharamaul, a British Protectorate, governed from Whitehall through a handful of devoted British civilians. In the south of the island lies Port Victoria, dominated by the Governor’s palatial mansion; in the north, a settlement of mud huts shelter a hundred thousand natives; and in dense jungle live the notorious Maula tribe, kept under surveillance by a solitary District Officer and his young wife. When Chief-designate, Dinamaula, returns from his studies in England with a spirited desire to speed the development of his people, political crisis erupts into a ferment of intrigue and violence.
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.
