Wilbur Smith sets his vividly realistic novels on the razor's edge between human courage and nature's wrath. In Hungry as the Sea , this master storyteller takes us to the frigid South Atlantic, where one man fights for his life-- and for redemption. Nicholas Berg is on a daring rescue mission. One of his former ships is being lashed against the cliffs of Cape Alarm and is surrounded by survivors clinging to their boats. Berg has gambled everything on reaching the Golden Adventurer before a competitor and a violent storm to win a fortune in salvage fees. If he succeeds, however, the real danger will only just begin . . .. From the power of a relentless ocean to the hunger of men to survive upon her, this is a towering novel of adventure, love and the daring of the human soul.
A hurricane at sea is almost impossible to describe and even though many people have experienced them, it is not an easy thing to process let alone write about. I read this book to learn more about the salvage business and I was not disappointed. Many incidents I have observed over my career as a boat captain were described in detail in an entertaining manner. This book deserves to be on anyone's shelf of good sea stories.
Smith at his best
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I think this is one of W.S.'s best. If you are tiring of reading his South Africa chronicles (I was), you will find Hungry as the Sea, set in modern Europe and USA, a nice refreshment. Also, the storyline is good, action-packed in places leaving room for the development of the plot as well. If you are a Wilbur Smith fan, you'll love it. And lastly, for the reviewer above, if you have a problem with Wilbur Smith's symbolic use of names, at least quote them correctly when you criticize them: The main character is Nick Berg, not Alex Berg. Alexander is the villain of the story!
The Best Book Mr Smith has written
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I am a very big fan of Wilbur Smith. Especially his earlier works. Amoung these I consider this the best. The supense and decite give the book a wonderful flavour. Unfortunately his later works have mostly been lesser efforts. I did enjoy the seventh scroll though. I also recommend SUNBIRD from his early works.
An adventure to read.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I have read this book many times and each time my pulse races as Nick and the crew of Warlock salvage Golden Adventurer. I have often hoped that Mr Smith would write a sequel. Without a doubt my favorite.
A great book of the sea.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I have owned and operated a Salvage Tug and can relate personally with this story. It is acurate and timely in its discussion of the modern ocean environmental issues. And a truly great ocean adventure story.
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