Jon Humboldt Gates

This is a gripping read, all the more so because it is based on historical facts: five tales of crossing the bar of Humboldt Bay at night, when the really big waves can hit. Each story has an intensely individual voice as Gates weaves both the events and the characters’ personal histories and impressions together. While reading, I had to keep remembering that these were all real events and people, precisely drawn.

“Cachelot” is a heartbreaking story of close friendship and boyish bravery; “Avoyel” is about the sea versus ships and people, and who will win the battle; “Thor” illustrates the bravery and skill that only years of working on the ocean can achieve; “Koala II” reads like a real-time news story that has you gripping your chair with dread, worry and relief; and finally “Lady Fame,” my favorite among the stories, about the peril of four incredibly strong men and their ship who, as a friend has suggested, is the fifth character in this drama and plays a pivotal role.

I was especially impressed with the marvelous bravery and efficiency of the Coast Guard; these people are amazing. And since I live where these events took place, it is all the more vivid to me; I have been on the jetties, I have seen the dolosse “sculptures” in action. The ocean is very much alive, and the waves can be very big.… (mere)