While the absence of quotation marks for dialogue may be irritating at first, as the story absorbs the attention of the reader it becomes barely noticeable. A basic knowledge of marine terms is certainly helpful but not essential. Morgan is a complex man who seems torn between patriotic duty and familial responsibility. The mother of his child is a woman whose motivation is, at first, difficult character to understand. The most appealing character is DeHaven, in particular for his regular displays of dry wit, which lift many moments where the subject matter is grave or solemn. James gives the reader some wonderfully evocative prose: “Below them the sea turned in its sleep, the waves boiled over like milk and sizzled on the shore” is but one example. This novel has been described as powerful and compelling, adjectives that are certainly apt.

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