The Hungry Ocean: A Swordboat Captain's Journey

Who didn't see the film, (or read the novel) The Perfect Storm? Not many of you, given its status as one of the top-grossing motion pictures of all time. The story made for riveting reading--and with the addition of some very high-tech special effects--a dramatic movie. It was a fictionalized account of actual events surrounding the loss of the Andrea Gail, a swordfishing vessel lost at sea with all of its crew during a horrific storm in 1991.One of the characters in that story, Linda Greenlaw, captain of the Andrea Gail's sister ship, the Hannah Boden, has written a fascinating tale of life aboard a swordboat--minus the tragedy. What happens when everything 'goes right' is the theme of Greenlaw's The Hungry Ocean: a Swordboat Captain's Journey.To most of us, the concept of spending a month or more at sea in smelly, cramped quarters, working torturous 20-hour days and MAYBE getting a paycheck to show for it, (depending on how good the catch is), hardly seems worth the effort. Linda Greenlaw is one of the most successful swordboat captains, and it's very obvious she loves her work. That she is perhaps the world's ONLY female swordboat captain is incidental to the story.After reading this book, it would be hard to enjoy a meal of grilled swordfish without reflecting upon just what it took to get it on the plate. Over 12,000 pounds of bait and $4,000 worth of groceries is loaded on board and stuffed into every conceivable nook and cranny prior to heading to sea. On the trip out, thousands of hook-and-leader sets are crafted, which are then attached to the 40-odd miles of line played out every single night--a 'set.' With a baited hook every 100 yards or so, they consider themselves fortunate if they haul in 20 or 30 fish per set; typically running about 15 sets per trip.Despite the fact that she is not an author by profession, Greenlaw very competently conveys a picture of life aboard a swordboat. Hungry Ocean is an entertaining and fascinating read! (I bought an additional copy as a gift for my father-in-law, whose late father was also a fisherman out of Gloucester, Mass. HE loved it too!)- Jonathan Sabin

I cannot believe I didn't review this book some time ago when I read it in hardcover soon after it was published. In scrolling through the reviews that are here, it is interesting to see the different perspectives people have. Some view the book as an informational book about sword fishing; others see it as an extension of the story told in The Perfect Storm (Linda Greenlaw was the Captain of the Andrea Gail's sister fishing boat, the Hanna Bowden); some see it as a metaphor about life as a woman in what is essentially a man's business; and some see it as proof that those who go to sea to fish are most responsible for the problems we have with fisheries and the ocean environment. Linda's oldest sister sees the book as a "book length personals ad" (Linda would like to get married). I bought the book thinking that I would be reading more about aspects of The Perfect Storm and instead found a compelling story from a woman who all her life wanted to be doing what she was doing and did it against great odds. Sebastian Junger referred to her as the best swordfish captain in the North Atlantic, or words to that effect, which is high praise for anyone and the zenith of such for a woman. In the book she tells you what it is like to put to sea to go swordfishing and she does it without any cleaning up of the life. She also shares her inner thoughts and makes the story very much a human tale. In the end, you will care about her very much. At least I did. She is brave, vulnerable, stubborn, funny and caring and she communicates those attributes quite well.

Although it's abridged, this two tape set gives the basic story of "The Hungry Ocean". Narrated by the author, I found this a great way to go. I still recommend reading the book also in addition to buying the tapes. I'd like to have it on CD or DVD which might could be enhanced to show some footage at sea, swordfish being caught, crew members and Ms. Greenlaw, etc. I know most of it would have to be retro to 1991.Bob Brown, the boat owners voice was portrayed in a phone type clip using Ms. Greenlaw's Voice. I think if an effort was made to give the voice a telephone effect, Bob Brown's voice could've been portrayed by a male voice, like, mine :-).I'd like to also have on the CD or DVD an update on certain issues brought out in the story. How's the crew, what are they doing. to my knowledge. Greenlaw is a lobster trapper now even though as most recent a writer. Is the Hannah Boden still alive? this happened in 1991.This fueled my desire for more of this kind of stuff. These tapes and book are at the top of my collection. I'll need an autographed copy of the hardback someday.Buy a book, the tapes, and sign up to be emailed notification of any upcoming books by Greenlaw at this site. This is not however a work for a high minded literary critic who reads for the sake of being a literary critic. It's 5 stars for content. It is very well written as well.

Well written. I devoured this book in one day. She explains things simply and paints a wide picture for your mind. I would definitely recommend this book.

I bought this book to replace a well read copy that somehow was lost over the years. It arrived in the condition the seller described; very good it was. Satisfied customer.

Very interesting book especially as I have already read Perfect Storm. Ms Greenlaw comes across as an absolutely no-nonsense kind of person, very capable & definitely not one to suffer fools, gladly or otherwise. I was surprised to hear she has also collaborated in the cookery book business - it makes a big change from the way she comes across in this book

Wonderful book for any lover of The Perfect Storm. Well written.

Good read enjoyed it very much

great book

Great read