This is the true story of a woman's survival from a shipwreck in the Alantic Ocean in October of 1982. Story read by Karen Allen, (Raiders of the Lost Ark) added a haunting lilt to the narration. I was riveted by the writing style with vivid metaphores and descripions which made it easy to live through the event with the author. Chilling, thrilling, and very scary. ( )

This is a great read. The first third is 'before the storm' and I actually liked it as much as the main event since it gave a personal insight into what it's like crewing yachts on the east coast Main to Florida run. I am familiar with places in the book (Portland, Annapolis) even the bar in Annapolis, and have friends who have crewed. Once the wreck happens it turns into a modern day wreck of the Méduse, in which some of the crew quickly loose their minds. It's a story about personal resilience, alcoholism, and being prepared. The book is in the genre of American adrenaline literature that became popular in the late 80s and 90s, unique in that it was written by women. A gripping page turner. Her story became famous with two TV movies, countless mentions and retellings in books, magazines and TV, motivational speaker and so on. She died age 54 in 2012 (cause unknown) and appears to have lived a difficult but full life. ( )

Il existe pas mal d'histoires de naufrages dans la littérature maritime et celui-ci ne déroge pas à la règle. A ceci près que l'aventure racontée par Déborah Scaling Kiley a été vécue par l'auteur, ce qui change la nature du récit et lui apporte un surplus d'émotion que naurait pas un simple roman. L'auteur profite de la narration pour effectuer une thérapie, nous prenant en témoin pour faire remonter des souvenirs douloureux vécus comme un échec durant plus de dix années. Le récit est brutal et détaillé sur ce naufrage qui n'aurait pas dû avoir lieu, retraçant l'enchaînement des évènements et des erreurs. Les personnages sont entraînés dans un tourbillon d'évènements sauvages qui leur donne l'occasion de montrer leur force ou leur faiblesse d'âme. Nul jugement dans le récit car en ces moments particulier, nul ne pourrait dire s'il va basculer ou non dans l'horreur. Si la qualité littéraire du récit est très commune, la charge émotionnelle est forte. ( )