The Ordinary Seaman
by Francisco Goldman
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Description
The Ordinary Seaman, the second novel from acclaimed writer Francisco Goldman is a lyrical and spellbinding story of hope, despair, and the promise of love. The ordinary seaman is Esteban, a 19-year-old veteran of the war in Nicaragua, who has come to America with 14 other men to form the crew of the Urus. Docked on a desolate Brooklyn pier, the Urus is a wreck, and the men, without the means to return home, become its prisoners. Esteban, haunted by the loss of his first love in the war, show more gradually works up the courage to escape the ship and start a new life in the city. His story and those of his shipmates come to life, illuminating the conflicts and triumphs of the human heart. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
I actually reviewed this book for The Miami Herald when it came out -- and they blurbed my review on the cover of the paperback! "Stunningly well-written" I said (and meant). And how cool to get a cover blurb? Then my friend Matt ruined it by saying, "Yeah -- set book on stun." Ha ha. Very funny, Matt. Still, a really great book -- even if you think a harrowing tale about an immigrant crew marooned on a derelict merchant vessel in a Brooklyn shipyard is not your cup of tea. You'll find yourself drawn into the story. And Goldman is a wonderful writer. Stunning, even.
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International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
179 works; 6 members
Pen/Faulkner Winners and Finalists
178 works; 9 members
Author Information
16+ Works 1,401 Members
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- L'equipaggio dimenticato
- Original title
- The Ordinary Seaman
- Original publication date
- 1997
- People/Characters
- Esteban Gaitan
- Important places
- New York, New York, USA; Nicaragua
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
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- Members
- 207
- Popularity
- 157,350
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.52)
- Languages
- 6 — Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 15
- ASINs
- 4
