Customer Reviews

Edge of Maine (Directions)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mr. Wolff does a wonderful job of describing certain historical snapshots and present-day cultural aspects of coastal Maine. His description of being lost at sea in a horribly thick Maine fog is worth the book itself. Mr. Wolff does not attempt to depict all facets of my home state, but does a commendable job in his usual eloquent manner. In this brief work, he made me laugh, reflect and ultimately, reaffirm the true beauty of Maine and why I'll always live here. Do yourself a favor and read this pleasant and realistic tribute.

Never having read his other stuff, I know Geoffrey Wolff only by reputation. I know the coast of Maine as anyone "from away" might - from many visits for many reasons over the years (though very few upon the water itself). I know the National Geographic Directions series from previous positive encounters (Oliver Sacks on Oaxaca and Robert Hughes on Barcelona).

So with that background may I recommend to you The Edge of Maine. It is a fine, brief travelogue that never bores and frequently enlightens. It is very much in the spirit of the series, which enlists noted writers to tell their story of a place that they know and love.

There is no plot, no narrative, no grand theory - just a series of vignettes (many first-person, many third-party sourced) about history, culture, nature, and everyday experience for those who come to visit and those who have always been there. Fog, feuds, families, "from away" - the variety is considerable.

And there's a nice map at the beginning to keep you oriented as you contend with the myriad names of islands and rivers and points and bays.

I'll give The Edge of Maine four stars. It is not great literature, but anyone with more than a passing interest in Maine and the desire to spend a few hours immersed in a well-written travelogue should grab it.

I sent this to a sick friend in Maine. She loved it, her husband loved it, and now they are sharing it with others, but only with the promise they will get it back.I will have to get on the list to borrow it.