Customer Reviews

Dark Wind: A Survivor's Tale of Love and Loss

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

My initial thoughts upon completing this short book is that the author comes off as very unlikeable, as does his deceased partner. And I'm not sure if it's because the writing fails or because they truly are indeed selfish, unlikeable people. The main premise of having a loved-one slip right through your fingers to his/her death is strong enough to overcome most literary deficiencies and this is no exception. Despite the fact that it's not particularly well-written and the characters aren't likeable, I couldn't put it down. Go figure!

This was a difficult book. When I was done, I didn't know whether I wanted to give Chaplin a big hug or slap him upside the head. This is a tale of what happens when irresponsible romanticism meets harsh reality. When it's all done, you don't know if Chaplin really learned or understands anything, yet at the same time, you know the depth of his culpability because he has told you himself. I don't know if it's possible to write with complete honesty about one's own part in such horrific events, but he certainly gives it a shot. This book is quite an unusual and moving read.

If you want modern sailing, adventures, dilemmas, botched revenges, lies, exotic settings, anxious families back home and eventual disaster in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in the world, this is your book. Dark wind tells an average tale about contemporary sailors: middle-aged couple, bouncing out of failed marriages, decides to have the big trip before it's too late: Belize, Panama, back to the US by plane, when the family needs attention, and beyond. Twilights, sunsets, the weird floating society of a port full of foreigners and their boats. Lonesome beaches, mechanical mishaps, the purchase of an EPIRB system: no classic sailing story, here, in the manner of Patrick O'Brien, but autopilots, engines and tourism. People who argue, face hard times and may look selfish. No multi-talented sailor-hero around the world on sight, either. This book is a memoir, a real story about people who suffered while chasing their dreams, and it rings true, even if it's not, which is rather out of the point as far as I'm concerned. It also provides a charming route to follow in the future, autopilot and all. And it taught me something else: if the hurricane comes close, don't ever do what they did.

This was a GREAT READ! If you liked "Albatross" you will love this book. I read it in 9 hours, I could NOT PUT IT DOWN! Don't listen to those other reviewers, perhaps they have yet to find their soulmate. The author tells his true story that combines such strong, truthful emotion, love, and the powerful, mysterious ocean. Gordon's love for Susan, is so painfully apparent through his descriptions of her and how eloquently he writes about his most heart wrenching memories of that fateful voyage in the Marshall Islands. This is a beautifully written, true story about fate, how sometimes a plan is never clear, no matter what preparations you make or how carefully you try to outsmart fate, you are still human. Most importantly this book exudes one mans pure love for a woman whom he still grieves for, and when you read it you will understand why.

Some reviewers may not have liked Gordon personally (a bit self-absorbed, seems to bail on his daughters, runs off with his friend's wife...), but they shouldn't hold that against his tale. The story of his ill-fated trip is more of a memoir than an adventure. I'm not sure how a critic could say the story was not convincing -- it's real and very affecting. I don't want to give away the plot, but this is a wrenching tale. How many times have we thought, "If I'd only done x, y or z..." Gordon rakes himself over the coals over and over again, but nothing can bring back the past. I thought he was brave to write of his own personal suffering, even if you don't happen to side with him. I agree that the writing wasn't as good as the very best, but it was exciting and detailed and very solid. Okay, not literary, but respectable enough for its genre. Overall, if you like a bit of the personal mixed in with adventure, you will appreciate this book although remember it is difficult in parts because of the tragedy. Overall, it was an absorbing read.

I couldn't put it down. I've (almost) been there and done that. Now I'm glad an appointment intervened. I related to Susan's behavior because I've seen Gordon's. Quick, easy reading. Not great literature, but something to make you think about your own perspective of life on the water.

Mr. Chaplin clearly thinks far too much of himself. He speaks too often of sexual exploits while married or involved in a long term relationship. How does this apply to a story of a ship wreck?

Throughout the book, this man acknowledged time and time again how he chose not to listen to his partners needs, concerns or fears -- instead pushing further into a situation that ultimately caused a life.

Half way through the strory I found myself exhausted and looking forward to the end.

A positive? Interesting travels to obscure locales.

Although I listened to only the section when the storm takes over the boat, and his wife drowns, I found the narrator so intensely loathsome, that I think he should be brought up on charges--of killing his wife by acts of vanity. He is far too in love with his own supposed wittiness to prepare for the storm, though he obliquely notices that she is exasperated with him almost constantly. He seems to think that he is Chevy Chase, and is starring in his own wacky romantic comedy, and whenever she is frightened for her life--with great good reason--he is only capable of noticing how soft her waist is. He pays attention to her as a living sex toy, and then ignores doing the safe thing, so that he can caress her, instead. When she dies, he feels sorry for himself, and when he somehow lives, feels even worse because it will ruin the grand narrative of his life. His search for her is equally indifferent, until he finds something that she told him to pack, and his only reflection is that he wished he had packed his glasses and watch--not, by the way, that he has killed her through fatuous, self-absorbed, moronic narcissism. Not that. But, please dear reader, do feel sorry for him--because his narrative of dying with her was ruined, though he is grateful to find the little things that she packed for him before she died--so, in that sense, he considers himself lucky. Are you getting it yet? He may expose all of this to exculpate himself in some way by lashing himself, or he may be leaving out the really bad parts--but who cares? She is dead and he is delighted, after all, because now he has a narrative to tell. And the chapter ends with him at least feeling a little happy about that, after all. He is a wholly loathsome human being. And it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he chose to let her die because it would make a better story that way.

After reading some of these reviews I wonder if the people writing them actually read the book or maybe they never experienced a lost love. It is clear the author has written a very gripping account of paradise found and lost. I give him credit for seeking it out and finding it which is something most people never do. I have just started sailing and this book has reminded me just how powerful and deadly a force nature can be, regardless of preparation and skill. It is a risk all people who venture out to sea take and it is no different than driving a car. It is a good thing if this book causes people to err on the side of caution.

I've read this book twice in the last two weeks, A very moving story of two people looking for adventure. After both previous marriges fall apart they set upon a journy that ultimately takes the life of one and leaves the other searching his soul for forgiveness. Some how it has left me feeling evey emotion that I think Mr Chaplin had wanted to achieve with the writing of this book. A great book! A real joy reading. I just wish it were possible to tell Mr. Chaplin himself.