The Sea Captain's Wife

I truly, truly enjoyed this novel. Having read another of Powning's books, I had an idea of what to expect from her writing, but this one was really exceptional. I often read during my daily commute, and this was a story that had me wishing the train took a lot longer to get me to my destination, so I would be able to keep on reading!

The story centres around Azuba Bradstock, a New Brunswick woman who dreamed of following the man she loved to sea. While this did eventually happen, and indeed the stories of their adventures encompassed the majority of the book, she began by waiting on shore for sporadic visits from her husband, until a scandal involving another man prompted Azuba's husband to bring her and their daughter abroad.

This is show more an engrossing tale of love, jealousy, tragedy and loss that covers the globe and describes life at sea and its inherent danger and loneliness. I didn't feel that the return of Walton's character was really necessary, but in all other ways this was a fantastic read. show less

The Sea Captain's wife is Azuba Bradstock, a young woman living in New Brunswick in the 1860s. She misses her husband, Nathaniel, on his long sea voyages and longs to be with him. She is worried that their daughter, Carrie, will never really know her father.

A perceived scandal involving Azuba and the local minister convince Captain Bradstock to take his wife and young daughter with him on his next voyage, albeit with reluctance on his part. Most of the novel takes place as Azuba adjusts to life on a ship full of men, and to her husband's ongoing anger at her.

The writing is excellent, the story flows well and the characters are well drawn. What I especially like is that, in addition to all that, this is a book that has left me with show more something to think about. I am still reflecting on what it is we really want in life, and how getting what you want doesn't always make you happier. I'm thinking about the institution of marriage and how it used to mean a commitment that seems to be lacking so often today. I loved the way Azuba grew, personally, in this story; how her experiences marked what she thought as well as what she did.

Thank you to the Early Reviewers program for this wonderful book, which I think would be a wonderful book club selection because of the many issues that Azuba and her life could spark discussions on. show less

I adored this book. I breezed through this book in just over a week (a very short time for me). Normally, I read to fall asleep at night but this book kept me up! This was for me a cautionary tale about being careful what you wish for.

Azuba dreamed of marrying a sea captain and becoming a seafaring family but was disappointed when her life didn't turn out as she expected. However, through a perceived indiscretion by the community and her family, she got what she wished for! Two years of harrowing adventure and drama on the high seas follow. Suddenly she finds herself longing for home.

The one challenge that this book presented was all of the nautical language. However, there is a glossary in the back that proved very useful.

There were show more moments in my book where I found myself holding my breath waiting to find out how things will turn out. Books like this don't come along that often. I also have a particular affinity for this book as it was set in my home province of New Brunswick and this very accomplished author also comes from there. I would highly recommend putting this on your TBR list. show less

I picked up this book at a library booksale because my previous reading by Powning proved her to be an excellent, expressive writer. This novel of a 19th century Canadian sea captain and his new wife did not disappoint. Powning can transport the reader to the horrifying experience of rounding Cape Horn under sail, a month in the doldrums, or being attacked by pirates, so well that you can well imagine what it was like. A completely enthralling novel.

I think this is the first book I’ve read about life on the high seas which does not have the main character holding the lowest status on board ship. Maybe there’s something about the story-telling arc that lends itself to that feature. Or perhaps, since the main character is the captain's wife in a 19th century world, she is considered to have the lowest status. Not likely though, considering the plight of some cabin boys I've read about.

In any event, The Sea Captain’s Wife by Beth Powning is an adventurous tale of a sea-faring family told from the viewpoint of Azuba Galloway, the captain’s wife aboard Traveller, a merchant ship sailing during the 1860’s. Azuba strives to overcome a myriad of obstacles while also having to show more deal with the 19th century attitude to women’s roles.

I really enjoyed this book. It was definitely a page-turner and kept me awake at night far longer than I should’ve been. There were two small blips for me, however. I’m one of those people who can’t stand to read anything about suffering children – even though it’s often a sad reality. This story did have some of that in it. The second thing that gave me pause is the Captain’s behavior. Certainly I thought the author had his attitudes and actions spot on most of the time, but I wonder, since the story is told from his wife’s perspective (and therefore, I think, perhaps an extension of the author’s), if the Captain would have behaved differently given some of the circumstances he faced. It’s difficult to go into more detail without giving away any of the plot so I will leave it at that. Something else to note is that there is a helpful glossary at the back of the book defining many of the sailing terms used throughout. I consulted it sporadically but for those who like to picture the action, it’s a useful tool. All in all this book was great and I highly recommend it. show less

Dramatic and absorbing story of Azuba Galloway who grows up in Whalen's Cove, near Saint John, New Brunswick, in the mid-19th century. Azuba's dream of visiting the exotic lands that lie at the end of a ship's voyage comes true when she and their daughter Carrie join her husband, Nathanial Bradstock, on his ship, Traveller, carrying goods around the world. Nathanial's reluctance to bring his family on board arises from his intimacy with the dangers of life at sea. But Azuba is adamant that her position as a sea captain's wife demands that she take her place at his side. Initially he keeps her separate from the workings of the ship. But as they ride out storms and face perils that threaten death and worse, their bond strengthens and they show more develop an intimate trust and an appreciation of each other's fears and needs. Convincing period detail pulls the reader into a world that is expertly rendered. Powning deploys her knowledge of mid-1800s seafaring life, but never flaunts it. The result is memorable and moving. show less

Oh, can I tell you how much I loved The Sea Captain's Wife!

Azuba is the daughter of a shipwright in 1860's New Brunswick, Canada. She has grown up around the water and dreams of being a sea captain's wife sailing with her husband around the world. Her dreams seem like they will come true when she marries Nathaniel - a veteran captain. But when she falls pregnant with their first child, he insists she stay on land. But a scandal necessitates Nathaniel reluctantly taking Azuba and their daughter with him on his next voyage. Azuba's dream is at last realized. But is it at the cost of her love and marriage to Nathaniel? What about the physical dangers? Has she put her child in danger or exposed her to the adventure of a lifetime? (This is show more the kind of adventure I would love!)

I always think I was born in the wrong century and this is the kind of book that greatly appeals to me. Historical - and really, the detail and research that Beth Powning has included in The Sea Captain's Wife was outstanding. I had wonderfully clear pictures of the town, their home, the ship and the ports in my mind as I read.

Azuba is a wonderfully drawn character. Bound by the social mores of her time to do the right thing and be a 'good' wife she still yearns for adventure. Powning skillfully explores Azuba's emotions and feelings as she struggles to balance the two in her life.

The novel is full of adventure as well - storms, exotic ports and what would the high seas be without pirates.

I honestly could not put this one down. A rich tale from an excellent Canadian author. show less