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Library > New Acquisitions > Book Review
Seize The Day; Shirley Billing; Bosun-Publications, 2005; CA 16622
This lively account of the Billings’ travels, following their decision to up sticks after the children were no longer dependent, takes us from the beginning in the UK in the early 1980s to their arrival in Singapore: the story of seven years on the Seven Seas, as the sub title has it.
Many cruising tales have been written, some concentrating on the rigours and technicalities of the sailing itself, others more as a travelogue. Sometimes the attempt has been made to combine the two. Many of those fail to meet the expectations of the reader of either slant. Shirley Billing has a happy knack of writing in a sparkling style that covers all the ground with apparent enthusiasm. Even though she offers the get out, halfway through the book, of skipping a few chapters if you don’t fancy the graphic descriptions of the Pacific Islands and their fascinating meetings with so many different people and races, few will want to move on to the more sailor-based talk of later chapters.
The author has a disarming claim that they “…have never looked upon themselves as real sailors” and goes on to show that, while making a few errors familiar to all of us who sail, their indomitable spirit and enthusiasm for life carry them through a wealth of experience that has made them such successful circumnavigators. We look forward to the continuation of this voyage interrupted for a while by re-entering the world of work some seven years after that brave beginning.
The soft back publication has many illustrations: photographs and sketch maps of the areas visited. Nine appendices and an index help recall and give some general advice with specific background detail including how to relate to crocodiles. Composed in 24 main chapters a main theme lies in the title. Carpe Diem - don’t put much faith in the morrow is their motto and they have lived by it. By writing about it they share their excitement and stimulate others to take the plunge. The book is an easy, enjoyable but informative read. - MJDPage prepared 29 November 2005