Customer Reviews

By the Grace of the Sea : A Woman's Solo Odyssey Around the World

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This book is an inspiration to all of us with wanderlust and dreams of sailing across an ocean in a small boat. Over and over in Pat's book you get the feeling that " Maybe I can do this too!" Her extraordinary feat and her search for answers to life's biggest questions start from failure, self doubt, and financial disaster. She proves that you do not have to be rich, or a world class athlete ,to accomplish the most extraordinary dreams.

This book is a good read, and it rings true.

The heartfelt authenticity of the writing takes the reader beyond the nuts and bolts of gear, equipment and weather. Pat shows us what it feels like out there on the ocean, in a personal and real way.

I share both sides of the reviewers here. On the one hand, Pat Henry had great courage to undertake a solo trip around the world in a fairly modest boat. The multitude of things that went wrong -- Murphy's Law in action -- were indeed quite a trial for Pat. That alone makes for fascinatingly horrible reading. I've done a lot of sailing in the past, I've read several books on "blue water" cruising (including "Passage to Juneau"), and I would say this book is unique. The basic premise is admirable, Pat did manage her world sail tour, but she *is* the most whiny, self-absorbed, self-pitying, hapless person that you'll read about in the world of sailing. Geez, that was the first thing that struck me upon finishing the book! I don't think Pat was really prepared for such a voyage -- not financially, emotionally, nor psychologically. Reading this book is almost a "how-not-to" instruction manual, and it's also like coming upon the scene of a terrible auto wreck -- you can't look away and you can't leave until you learn the outcome.

What an amazing and surprising journey I began when I opened By the Grace of the Sea and began to read. By the close of the first chapter I was fascinated with this author Pat Henry -- who she was, where she had come from and where in the world was she going. That's exactly where she was going, and to see the ports and people through her sensitive, often passionate words was a wonderful experience. I have never been in the ocean, or even sailed on a sailboat. I have never been abroad, and I am not an architect, artist, or even a woman, but I was amazed at how often I easily identified with the thoughts and feelings Pat sprinkles through her book.

Pat Henry's account of her eight year and one day odyssey, traveling solo around the world in a small sail boat is more than a nautical adventure story. Her descriptions are vivid, painterly; as one might expect from a woman who earns her spending money during the long journey by selling the colorful watercolors she paints of villages and harbors. Pat's courage, tenacity, and problem-solving skills are inspirational. That she embarked on this solitary journey in late middle age is remarkable. A beautiful exciting story about sailing, ports, and personal growth.

Thank you, Pat, for renewing my spirit and reminding me who I am. I couldn't put your book down, resonating with the inner and outer journeys you so openly share. In you I found a kindred soul. I too married ridiculously young, had children and divorced before educating myself and running a successful business which provided a very nice lifestyle, including extensive travel. I thought my life was finally on track. Then I lost just about everything -- primarily my sense of worth -- and fell into chronic depression. As a beacon lighting the way, your book woke me up. Your never-say-die attitude and determination to plow ahead ready or not reminded me of the spitfire that I used to be; ready to try anything and bursting with dreams and goals for the future. You've inspired me to stop hiding my light under a bushel and get back into the ring.

From the opening poem by Sarah Zale to the final docking 8 years later, this book captivated me. I, too, am a sailor and I was captivated by Henry's honesty, direct approach and sensitivity. This is a must read for everyone who dreams of becoming adventuresome, those who already are adventurous and need a boost to buy the boat and get going, and armchair devotees of excitement. I loved it!

Henry's well written tale of her solo circumnavigation is an interesting and entertaining read, but as others have noted, she seems to have a knack for whining and complaining. I picked up this book because I wanted to get a woman's perspective on the cruising life. I did, but had to keep reminding myself that it was just one woman's perspective. I'd like to think others had a more balanced view. On the other hand, it's also possible that other accounts are really just sugar-coating their experiences. I have to give the author a lot of credit for not pulling any punches in her tale. If you want a tale that's a little less self-centered account of a woman's solo circumnavigation under sail, have a look at Tania Aebi's "Maiden Voyage." If you want to hear a formidable woman tell you what she really thinks, pick up a copy of "By the Grace of the Sea."

- Joe

This is a marvelous book, very well written, about an amazing adventure. Her story of sailing around the world in a 31-foot boat is interesting enough. To do it all alone, without enough money to start with, having to figure out ways of making money in strange ports as she went - that is amazing. I sailed around the world in a 42 foot boat with my wife to share the duties and with enough money. I thought I had an adventure. To do it the way Pat did is truly remarkable. Her writing accurately reflects the joys and challenges of world cruising. Seen from a woman's eyes, she saw things I never saw (I'm male) She was exposed to dangers I never was, and she reacted to situations in ways that help me understand women a little better. On top of all this, she deals intimately with the healing of troubled relationships she left at home, and the rethinking of what she wants her life to be. I enjoyed every page of this book.

Pat is one of the few women who have sailed solo around the globe. The few negative reviews here have mentioned Pat's failures and suggested she funded the trip relying on the charity of others. Pat's backstory makes her accomplishment even more incredible. Pat is an accomplished artist who sold paintings along the way to help fund her continued voyaging. Very few solo sailors will have made their journey without receiving some help from others. One can not help but wonder if the few negative reviewers who gave this book one star are envious of what Pat has accomplished on her own.

Order was processed and delivered, in the condition described, beyond my expectations and am satisfied.