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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
What a cracking read. Really enjoyed it and keen to get stuck in to the next
Sub Lieutenant Gilmour, a West coast Scot, begins his career on a battleship, but its a disastrous fit: English class warfare and bullying are alive and well. Thanks to a decent fellow officer, Harry takes a course in celestial navigation that takes him onboard the first of two submarines, the HMS Pelorus. There he faces the terror of a sinking.
At home on leave Harry has a dedicated mother who helps navigate him through the shoals of two local girls out for his heart, and a distant, Great War vet father who is furious that Harry has volunteered to serve.
Harry’s next assignment is aboard the “Bucket” of the title: the HMS Trebuchet, on a daring mission at a Soviet Union port north of Norway.
Top notch, richly textured writing that switches from wry to heartfelt at just the right moments, an engaging, decent young hero, and heart-stopping tension all add up to: move over Hornblower and Jack Aubrey!
At home on leave Harry has a dedicated mother who helps navigate him through the shoals of two local girls out for his heart, and a distant, Great War vet father who is furious that Harry has volunteered to serve.
Harry’s next assignment is aboard the “Bucket” of the title: the HMS Trebuchet, on a daring mission at a Soviet Union port north of Norway.
Top notch, richly textured writing that switches from wry to heartfelt at just the right moments, an engaging, decent young hero, and heart-stopping tension all add up to: move over Hornblower and Jack Aubrey!
And then ... click!
I was happily sitting in the sunshine, fully engrossed in the action, and then, came the end. No warning. Instead of the gradual, and often disappointing, let- down in the final chapter, the final chapter was all about the fight and then - Click!. An interesting and effective way to leave you wanting more.
Generally cleverly written and very immersive and believable. Explanations of nautical terms are weaved into the storyline very effectively. “Sangfroid” and a few other similar terms are overused but some interesting new ones were introduced which always piques my interest.
Overall, a winning combination in my view - an Ian Rebus of the sea. I’m looking forward to diving into more.
I was happily sitting in the sunshine, fully engrossed in the action, and then, came the end. No warning. Instead of the gradual, and often disappointing, let- down in the final chapter, the final chapter was all about the fight and then - Click!. An interesting and effective way to leave you wanting more.
Generally cleverly written and very immersive and believable. Explanations of nautical terms are weaved into the storyline very effectively. “Sangfroid” and a few other similar terms are overused but some interesting new ones were introduced which always piques my interest.
Overall, a winning combination in my view - an Ian Rebus of the sea. I’m looking forward to diving into more.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
This was a wonderfully written historical fiction book. The more I read of WWII, the more I realize that I don't know. I DO know that I will be reading the entire Harry Gilmore series.
Well researched I am sure but somehow just didn’t get me that interested. A bit too ‘derring-do‘ maybe
Gripping yarn
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not my normal choice of reading but I have it a go and really glad I did. I found the story interesting and the submarine live described both fascinating and at times terrifying. Can't wait to read the next in the series and continue with Harry's adventures. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Second World War naval theatre or otherwise.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not my normal choice of reading but I have it a go and really glad I did. I found the story interesting and the submarine live described both fascinating and at times terrifying. Can't wait to read the next in the series and continue with Harry's adventures. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Second World War naval theatre or otherwise.
adventurous
medium-paced
It took me a while to get into this book. One of the barriers is the constant use of British Navy slang / terminology. Even knowing a bit about submarines, I struggled to understand what the author meant in some cases. The story is compelling and I'm sure those who were 'in the trade' really enjoy this book.
"GONE TO SEA IN A BUCKET" brings home to the reader the lives of the sailors of the Royal Navy who served in the submarine service during the early years of the Second World War. The author writes knowingly of his subject with a richly layered prose that will make the reader want to know more about the adventures and perils faced by submariners on the high seas. I absolutely SAVORED reading this novel and look forward to reading the 2 additional novels in the series.
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes