Best Books About Life at Sea or Seafarers

Since long ago the life at sea has interested and attracted writers all across the world. Many authors have been fascinated with the adventures that take place at sea. There are many good literary works which give a fascinating account of adventures and misadventures at sea. Here’s my pick of the top 5:-

1.       Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: one of the most popular pirate stories in English Treasure Island makes for an interesting read for children and adults alike. Young Jim Hawkins, who finds himself owner of a map to Treasure Island, where the fabled pirate booty is buried is an enchanting character.

2.       The Odyssey by Homer: One of the two major Greek epics attributed to Homer this is one of the most exciting tales of adventure at sea. Even though it takes the hero, Odysseus 20 years to reach his homeland and he loses all his crew and 12 ships in the process, the book makes for an interesting reading. Odysseus is not much of role-model  for future captains though.         

3.       Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, and Greg Call: An exciting and thrilling tale of young orphan, Peter and his mates who have been dispatched on a ship, Never Land to an island ruled by an evil king, it makes for an excellent read. The journey Peter undertakes is fraught with peril and thrill.

4.       Moby Dick by Herman Melville: This is the humorous and enthralling tale of Captain Ahad’s obsessive quest for a dangerous and deadly creature, the whale. The story is not just a tale of adventure but offers profound knowledge about human nature, its persistence and resilience.      

 

5.       The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket by Edgar Allan Poe: Edgar Allan Poe’s only novel, this one’s as interesting as it could get. Story of two boys on a whaling ship, it can enthrall you with its exciting narrative.