It Never Rains Book

It is the mid 1970s, towards the end of a golden era at sea, when Christopher Ross joins m.v. Reliant, where his first hours aboard suggest hardship and mystery. On his first night aboard there is threat in the shape of a big deckhand, and then an encounter with a violent shore-side character who seems to be linked to the mate in some mysterious enterprise. The mate is a martinet of the old school, but Chris is happy whilst on watch with the easy-going second officer, and enjoys the close friendship of Smiles, his happy-go-lucky fellow cadet, and Peter, the dry-humoured junior engineer. Further mystery is introduced when Ross and Smiles are approached by 'the pale young crewman'. The captain is taken ill, and a charismatic old man takes command in Durban. After this a series of rare events begins, leading to loss of communication, near shipwreck on a coral reef and a series of adventures around the atoll. Their rigging of sail, like their inventive fresh water-making, solves some problems, before they are beclamed and out of food. With them virtually at the end of their tether, comes terror and death in the form of a relentless pirate attack. Amusing interludes include a trip ashore, crossing the line ceremonies, and a unique barbeque bringing crew and officers together. Their relief on reaching Singapore is tempered by sadness, recrimination and even romance, but the story ends with the promise of complete fulfillment for Chris Ross.Read More