Sailing Alone Around the World

by Captain Joshua Slocum, Joshua Slocum Captain Joshua Slocum
Sailing Alone Around the World cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 1254
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • ISBN: 9781775411901
  • Publisher: The Floating Press
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Joshua Slocum's Sailing Alone Around the World is a captivating account of his historic solo voyage around the globe. Rebuilding the derelict sloop Spray and setting off in 1895, Slocum's journey captivated the world, making him a celebrated figure. His understated narrative offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of solo sailing, providing a timeless tale of adventure and perseverance. /n/n Published in 1899, this memoir has inspired countless travelers and remains a classic in the genre. Slocum's meticulous preparations and the sheer determination required for such a feat are vividly brought to life, making it a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history or extraordinary personal achievements.

Reviews
Good Old Boat · 2025-10-01
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its simple and factual writing style, making it both engaging and perfect for an audio format. The reviewer appreciates Slocum's modest tone and compelling storytelling.

This reviewer found Joshua Slocum to be an excellent storyteller with a straightforward and factual writing style. They particularly enjoyed his modest tone, which adds to the book's charm. The simplicity of the prose makes it a great choice for an audiobook, allowing listeners to feel like they are along for the journey. The reviewer highlights that Slocum's lean and compelling narrative style keeps the reader engaged throughout the adventure.

Quick quotes

    Slocum is an excellent storyteller, with simple factual writing and a modest tone.

    And with Slocum's lean and compelling prose, it's a perfect book for audio.

    The simplicity of the prose makes it a great choice for an audiobook.

Swords and Spectres · 2021-12-24
fantastic 4.75

The reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the book, feeling like they were part of Slocum's journey. They highlight the fun and engaging nature of the narrative.

This reviewer had a fantastic time reading the book, feeling as if they were right there with Captain Slocum on his solo voyage around the world. They appreciated the fun and engaging way Slocum recounted his adventures, making it a highly enjoyable read. The reviewer particularly loved the sense of being along for the ride, which adds a personal touch to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This was so much fun.

    I really felt like I was along for the ride with Captain Slocum as he told of his solo travel around the world.

    The sense of adventure and camaraderie shines through.

Blog by Ben · Ben · 2019-06-03
good 4.00

The book is described as a great read, with the reviewer praising Slocum's adventurous spirit. However, they find his tone overly upbeat at times.

Ben found the book to be a great read overall, highlighting Slocum's adventurous spirit and the thrill of his solo journey. However, they noted that Slocum's tone can be a bit too upbeat, which might detract from the gravity of some of the situations he encountered. Despite this, the reviewer enjoyed the narrative and found it to be an engaging account of a remarkable adventure.

Quick quotes

    It's a great read listen.

    Slocum's tone is just a bit too up beat.

    Yes he faced incredible challenges, but his constant optimism can be a bit much.

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