Le grand marin d'Alaska
€20.85
A gripping firsthand account of a runaway teen’s daring voyage aboard a 1930s cod-fishing schooner in Alaska’s treacherous Bering Sea. Raw, vivid, and packed with hard-earned lessons from the sea.
SE00034
Data sheet
- Author
- Russ Hofvendahl
- Picto
- In French language
Specific References
- UPC
- 400000143231
- EAN13
- 9782841413980
New
Description détaillée
The Great Alaskan Mariner
Book in FrenchPaperback edition
A Gripping Coming-of-Age Adventure on the High Seas
Dive into the raw and unforgettable true story of Russ Hofvendahl, a fifteen-year-old runaway who traded the despair of the Great Depression for the brutal yet liberating life aboard a 1930s cod-fishing schooner. This autobiographical account pulls no punches—every wave, every storm, and every hard-earned lesson is laid bare in vivid detail. Set against the backdrop of the Bering Sea, where survival hinges on grit and camaraderie, this narrative is more than a tale of adventure; it’s a testament to resilience and the unyielding spirit of youth.Life Aboard a Four-Masted Schooner
Step onto the deck of the *William H. Smith*, a relic of maritime history with its four masts and no engine, where forty men battled the elements to haul in their catch. The book paints a stark picture of life at sea during the 1930s—grueling labor, treacherous maneuvers, and the constant threat of the unforgiving ocean. From the cramped quarters to the backbreaking work of fishing, every page immerses you in the daily struggles and small triumphs of a crew fighting to survive. The absence of modern comforts only heightens the sense of isolation and danger, making this a story that resonates with anyone who has ever faced adversity.From Boy to Man in Five Months
What begins as a desperate escape from poverty quickly becomes a transformative journey. Hofvendahl’s account captures the moment he leaves behind the safety of childhood and steps into the harsh realities of adulthood. The Bering Sea doesn’t forgive mistakes, and neither do the men who sail her. Through storms, fights, and exhausting labor, the young protagonist learns the value of perseverance, teamwork, and self-reliance. His evolution from a reckless teenager to a seasoned mariner is both heartbreaking and inspiring, offering a rare glimpse into a world where survival depends on more than just luck.A Visual Journey Through Maritime History
Enhanced with rare photographs of the schooner and its crew, this book is a visual and emotional time capsule. The images bring to life the rugged faces of the sailors, the imposing structure of the *William H. Smith*, and the vast, untamed beauty of the Alaskan coast. These snapshots of history add depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the era in a way that words alone cannot. Whether you’re a history buff, a maritime enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good adventure, these photographs will transport you to a world that feels both distant and eerily familiar.For Fans of True Stories and Maritime Adventures
If you’re drawn to tales of survival, coming-of-age stories, or the golden age of sailing, *The Great Alaskan Mariner* is a must-read. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it makes you feel the salt spray on your face, the ache in your muscles, and the weight of responsibility settling on young shoulders. Hofvendahl’s journey is one of hardship and hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s a chance for growth and redemption. Perfect for readers who crave authenticity and adventure, this memoir is a tribute to the men who braved the sea and the boy who became one of them.Experience the Untold Story of a Teenage Stowaway Turned Seasoned Mariner
In the heart of the Great Depression, a fifteen-year-old boy makes a daring escape from the crushing weight of poverty—only to find himself thrust into the brutal world of a 1930s cod-fishing schooner. *The Great Alaskan Mariner* is Russ Hofvendahl’s gripping autobiographical account of his five-month odyssey aboard the *William H. Smith*, a four-masted schooner with no engine, where survival depended on sheer willpower and the unspoken bond between forty hardened sailors. This isn’t just a tale of adventure; it’s a raw, unfiltered look at the making of a man in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.
The Bering Sea: A Cruel but Honest Teacher
The Bering Sea doesn’t care about your age, your strength, or your fears. For Hofvendahl, it was a relentless classroom where every mistake could mean the difference between life and death. From navigating towering waves to enduring the backbreaking labor of hauling in the day’s catch, the young runaway quickly learned that the sea demands respect—and those who don’t give it are swiftly punished. The book’s vivid descriptions of storms, near-misses, and the constant threat of disaster make it impossible to look away, pulling readers into a world where danger lurks around every corner.
A Schooner Frozen in Time
The *William H. Smith* wasn’t just a ship; it was a relic of a bygone era. With its four masts and complete lack of modern technology, it was a floating anachronism in an age of steam and diesel. The crew of forty men relied on skill, instinct, and each other to keep the vessel afloat, making this more than just a fishing trip—it was a test of endurance, teamwork, and adaptability. Hofvendahl’s detailed accounts of the ship’s operations, from the intricacies of sail handling to the daily grind of life below deck, offer a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that has all but disappeared.
From Runaways to Survivors: The Crew That Became Family
No one survives the Bering Sea alone. The men aboard the *William H. Smith* were a motley crew of seasoned sailors, desperate drifters, and, in Hofvendahl’s case, a boy pretending to be a man. The book doesn’t shy away from the conflicts, the fights, or the moments of camaraderie that defined their journey. Through shared hardship, the crew forged bonds that transcended age, background, and experience. Hofvendahl’s transformation from an outsider to an accepted member of the team is one of the most compelling arcs of the story, illustrating how adversity can turn strangers into brothers.
A Story That Transcends Time
While *The Great Alaskan Mariner* is rooted in the 1930s, its themes of resilience, growth, and the search for meaning are timeless. Hofvendahl’s journey from a reckless teenager to a young man hardened by experience resonates with anyone who has ever faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable. The book’s blend of historical detail, personal reflection, and high-stakes adventure makes it a standout memoir—one that will appeal to readers of maritime history, coming-of-age stories, and tales of survival against the odds. Whether you’re a sailor at heart or simply someone who loves a good story, this book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the men who brave the sea and the lessons it teaches.
This 240-page paperback edition of *The Great Alaskan Mariner* is a compact yet immersive read, designed for both casual readers and maritime enthusiasts. Measuring 15.0 cm × 22.0 cm × 2.4 cm and weighing just 0.426 kg, it’s lightweight enough to carry anywhere, yet sturdy enough to withstand repeated readings. Published on May 25, 2018, this book is a testament to the enduring power of true stories, offering a window into a world where the sea was both a provider and a punisher. With no illustrations but a wealth of vivid descriptions, it lets the reader’s imagination fill in the gaps, making every page a new adventure.
With a legacy rooted in maritime literature, this publisher has spent decades bringing the stories of the sea to life. Specializing in works that capture the spirit of adventure, history, and human resilience, their catalog includes memoirs, historical accounts, and technical guides that appeal to sailors, historians, and armchair adventurers alike. Each book is crafted with care, ensuring that the tales within are as enduring as the vessels and voyages they describe.
- Immerse yourself in a true story that reads like fiction, where every page is a testament to the power of perseverance and the sea’s unyielding lessons. This book offers a rare glimpse into a vanished era of sailing, blending historical detail with the raw emotion of a coming-of-age tale. Perfect for readers who crave authenticity, adventure, and a deeper understanding of the human spirit, *The Great Alaskan Mariner* is more than just a memoir—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the last page.
What time period does the story cover?
The story is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, following a fishing expedition in the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska.
Is the book based on a true story?
Yes, it is an autobiographical account of the author’s experience as a teenage runaway working on a cod-fishing schooner.
How many pages does the book have?
The book contains 240 pages.
What are the dimensions of the book?
The dimensions are 15.0 cm × 22.0 cm × 2.4 cm.
Does the book include photographs or illustrations?
Yes, it features photographs of the ship and crew, though no additional illustrations are included.
What is the shipping weight of the book?
The shipping weight is approximately 0.7 kg.
Is the book available in languages other than French?
No, the book is currently only available in French.
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