Embarkation

Salamanca, J.R. Embarkation. First Edition. London, Cassell, 1974. 20.4cm x 13.2cm. 271 (5) pages. Original Hardcover with original, unclipped dustjacket. In protective Mylar. Excellent condition with only minor signs of external wear. This novel is the story of a father and his family- a father whose single-minded dedication is to the craft of boat building. To his consuming passion for perfection Poppa sacrificed the happiness of his wife and his three children though, unquestionably, he was devoted in his own way to all of them. As the story opens, Poppa has been lost at sea. Unbelievably lost in one of his own superb creations during a storm which even he could not conquer. Together again in their seaboard home to comfort Momma, are Aaron, the eldest son, Sylvie, his only daughter, and Jamed who, alone, loved his father with a child's devotion, but whose mind never developed beyond childhood. Back over theyears Aaron and Sylvie trace their lives with Poppa and Momma and Jamed- dominated by Poppa, indestructable, earthy, driven by his unceasing quest for perfection, full of the joy of living in a world bounded by the sea and the stars; a man whom for all his faults, one cannot help but love- blind to all imperfections- as Jamie loved.