Review of Bluewater Walkabout

[Silvia Idahosa]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Bluewater Walkabout" by Tina Dreffin.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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On their trip to South Africa, Tina Dreffin and her family experience the wildest moments: two heart-stopping encounters with buffaloes and an animal that they had no idea even existed. Their son also gets pooped on by baboons. And it stunk! I wasn't there, but the book gave such a detailed description that I could actually imagine it. It was vivid!

After their safari experience in South Africa, Tina Dreffin, her husband, Peter, and their two sons, Adam and Warren, get on their catamaran, Scud. Joining them for their expedition, Sam and Gary, friends of Tina's sons, arrive on Scud. During the course of the adventure, there are beautiful, lively, and funny moments; there are tense moments when certain personalities clash; and there are some stormy moments at sea. The emotions, the lack of adequate sleep, and being at sea for months take their toll. It was evidently draining. Was it still worth it though? Tina would tell you, Yes! And I agree with her. They saw beautiful things and experienced moments that you could never experience on land in your comfort space. They also grew in their little ways.

First, I want to delve into the author's storytelling style. Tina was quite the character. I found her hilarious at different points in this book. There were moments when I had to pause and laugh. This is the beauty of reading books: you get access to the thoughts of a person in moments when you would normally not know what they are thinking. Tina's thoughts when she met Peter were funny to read, and her clumsiness was on another level. Her writing was honest and baring in a way a memoir should be. I got the full Tina Dreffin experience. There was a point when they were in Brazil and a stranger asked her to dance. She did a full 360° to make sure the stranger was not talking to someone behind her. This was relatable, and the way she described her thoughts in this moment? Hilarious!

Another aspect of this book that readers would appreciate is the beauty of nature that shone through the detailed descriptions. I mentioned in the first paragraph how the description of the animal poop was so detailed that I could imagine it. That was how Tina described the aspects of nature that she and her family experienced. The level of detail made it easy to envision the moments and to appreciate them. Unfortunately though, there is only so much you can imagine, especially when you have probably never seen the animal or moment being described. Some moments need to be experienced first-hand. Even pictures can only show so much.

I liked the detailed descriptions, Tina's humour, and her honesty. Based on this, there were no negative aspects of the book for me. There was a lot of ship and sea lingo, but that did not hinder my reading in any way; in fact, it made me curious. The editing of this book was professional, as I found only found a few errors.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because of the reasons I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Bluewater Walkabout: Into Africa was a lovely read. I would recommend this book to lovers of nature and adventure, and to those who love to read about close family relationships. I would also recommend it to those who would find the sexual assault, miscarriage, and breast cancer resources helpful. Reading Tina's story might help readers realise that moving beyond a problem or a feeling is highly dependent on your attitude towards it. It can be hard (and it is), but sometimes, it could be a question of do you want to move on. Do you really want to get better? Tina wanted to, and she found the courage to do so.

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Bluewater Walkabout
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[Favour Hillz]

Your thoughts and enjoyment while reading this book is clearly seen in your review. Tina's role in this book was well played because I'm sure other readers will sense the humour while reading this interesting book.

[CHUKWUMA AGOHUKOH]

The way Tina Dreffin writes about her past traumas is very commendable. It takes a lot of bravery to to that. Your review is interesting to read. Good job Silva!

[Anil G]

Tina Dreffin's courage is worth appreciating. You wrote an excellent review.

[Nkem Blessing]

Your idea on this book review is unique. Although i have read the book. I still feel like reading it again. You did a good job. Keep it up

[Silvia Idahosa]

Your thoughts and enjoyment while reading this book is clearly seen in your review. Tina's role in this book was well played because I'm sure other readers will sense the humour while reading this interesting book.

Thank you, Favour. I hope others sense the humour as well. It would make the book much more interesting for them.

[Silvia Idahosa]

The way Tina Dreffin writes about her past traumas is very commendable. It takes a lot of bravery to to that. Your review is interesting to read. Good job Silva!

I agree with you. It does take bravery and it was great that she was able to share it. Thank you, Jimmy.

[Silvia Idahosa]

Tina Dreffin's courage is worth appreciating. You wrote an excellent review.

Thank you. A great author communicates to readers through books indeed.

[Silvia Idahosa]

Your idea on this book review is unique. Although i have read the book. I still feel like reading it again. You did a good job. Keep it up

Thank you, Nkem. I'm glad my review made you want to read the book again. If it gave that effect, then I must be doing something right. Thank you!

[Nkem Blessing]

You are welcome dear. I think my next book Will be that

[Helen Chizzy]

I recently selected this book for review and I can't wait to begin. Your review was very engaging and interesting.

[Silvia Idahosa]

I recently selected this book for review and I can't wait to begin. Your review was very engaging and interesting.

Thank you. I hope you find the book interesting as well.

[Kene Active]

It's amazing how Tina writes about her past and present to heal. Thanks for a nice review, it was really intruiging.