Review of Shanghai'd
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Deborah Dodd
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- Latest Review: Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick
Review of Shanghai'd
[Following is a volunteer review of "Shanghai'd" by Curtis Stephen Burdick.]
Excellent research has gone into the story Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick, the first novel in the series about the adventures of Joshua Cabot. The author takes readers back to the 1840s and describes how a miller named Sutter discovered gold in California, igniting the gold rush. Joshua is offered a job he can't refuse that will advance his status and provide funding for his research in mineralogy and metallurgy. He is rushed to San Francisco by one of the wealthiest men in Boston to establish the E.B. Moffet Company, which is responsible for assaying and building a foundry and mint.
The author skillfully describes the characters involved, highlighting how they help Mr. Moffet gain a head start before news of the gold discovery spreads. While in California, Joshua experiences a tragic event that leads him into a deep depression and heavy drinking. One night, he unintentionally kills a man and is subsequently kidnapped by an ocean merchant ship. This ship embarks on a journey to visit many ports before heading to China.
Throughout the voyage, Joshua and his new friends face numerous challenges, including battles with pirates, harsh weather, mutiny, hostile tribes, cutthroats, and riots amid various uprisings in the ports. Joshua must confront loss, navigate danger, and utilize his knowledge to save the ship on multiple occasions. The author introduces a cast of colorful antagonists, some of whom readers will love to hate. The ship's captain, Stark, is demanding yet fair with his plans for the voyage he intends to pursue at any cost. Joshua and the other protagonists must find a way to stay alive and outsmart their foes.
I have never enjoyed a story as much as this one. The twists and unexpected events, such as the crew's encounter with cannibals and the pirates in the Port of Archangel, kept me wanting to finish the story in one sitting. The author's research into ships of the period and the terminology used aboard was impressive. I can't help but wonder if Martha will return to the storyline; that's as much as I can reveal without giving away any spoilers.
The story provides a vivid and realistic portrayal of life in the late 1840s and early 1850s. The characters are well-developed, each possessing unique qualities that make them feel real. While some readers might find it excessive, the author's use of swearing is an authentic representation of the language from that period and the environment aboard ships. This authenticity contributes to a vivid narrative that immerses the reader in the world of the 1840s.
The author and editor did an excellent job with the editing process. I noticed only a few errors, which did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. The writing is reminiscent of the era—realistic and historical—while strongly emphasizing character development and vivid period descriptions. Overall, it was a great read, and I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
I wholeheartedly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I look forward to Curtis Burdick's next novel about Joshua's adventures. Just be warned that there is quite a bit of swearing, as was common during that time aboard ships. The author does address themes of sex but approaches them with sensitivity in a way that is primarily clean and leaves much to the reader's imagination, respecting the reader's sensibilities while still providing a realistic portrayal of life in the late 1840s and early 1850s.
******
Shanghai'd
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Excellent research has gone into the story Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick, the first novel in the series about the adventures of Joshua Cabot. The author takes readers back to the 1840s and describes how a miller named Sutter discovered gold in California, igniting the gold rush. Joshua is offered a job he can't refuse that will advance his status and provide funding for his research in mineralogy and metallurgy. He is rushed to San Francisco by one of the wealthiest men in Boston to establish the E.B. Moffet Company, which is responsible for assaying and building a foundry and mint.
The author skillfully describes the characters involved, highlighting how they help Mr. Moffet gain a head start before news of the gold discovery spreads. While in California, Joshua experiences a tragic event that leads him into a deep depression and heavy drinking. One night, he unintentionally kills a man and is subsequently kidnapped by an ocean merchant ship. This ship embarks on a journey to visit many ports before heading to China.
Throughout the voyage, Joshua and his new friends face numerous challenges, including battles with pirates, harsh weather, mutiny, hostile tribes, cutthroats, and riots amid various uprisings in the ports. Joshua must confront loss, navigate danger, and utilize his knowledge to save the ship on multiple occasions. The author introduces a cast of colorful antagonists, some of whom readers will love to hate. The ship's captain, Stark, is demanding yet fair with his plans for the voyage he intends to pursue at any cost. Joshua and the other protagonists must find a way to stay alive and outsmart their foes.
I have never enjoyed a story as much as this one. The twists and unexpected events, such as the crew's encounter with cannibals and the pirates in the Port of Archangel, kept me wanting to finish the story in one sitting. The author's research into ships of the period and the terminology used aboard was impressive. I can't help but wonder if Martha will return to the storyline; that's as much as I can reveal without giving away any spoilers.
The story provides a vivid and realistic portrayal of life in the late 1840s and early 1850s. The characters are well-developed, each possessing unique qualities that make them feel real. While some readers might find it excessive, the author's use of swearing is an authentic representation of the language from that period and the environment aboard ships. This authenticity contributes to a vivid narrative that immerses the reader in the world of the 1840s.
The author and editor did an excellent job with the editing process. I noticed only a few errors, which did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. The writing is reminiscent of the era—realistic and historical—while strongly emphasizing character development and vivid period descriptions. Overall, it was a great read, and I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
I wholeheartedly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I look forward to Curtis Burdick's next novel about Joshua's adventures. Just be warned that there is quite a bit of swearing, as was common during that time aboard ships. The author does address themes of sex but approaches them with sensitivity in a way that is primarily clean and leaves much to the reader's imagination, respecting the reader's sensibilities while still providing a realistic portrayal of life in the late 1840s and early 1850s.
******
Shanghai'd
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick
