Your First Impressions of Resolute [ Edited ]

[BookClubEditor]

If you haven't started reading Resolute yet, reply to this message and let us know why you're interested in the story of the ill-fated HMS Resolute. Did you know much about her story, or the history of the Northwest Passage already? Share some of your background knowledge of this topic with the group!

And if you've already started reading, feel free to share your first impressions of the book. What, so far, has been the most interesting part of the story?

Message Edited by BookClubEditor on 12-22-2006 12:15 PM

[BillM]

I am currently reading "Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick. I am finding it to one of those "can't wait to pick it up again" kind of reads. The writer is an excellenent communicator and the story is riveing! I recommend it highly.

BillM

[maude40]

I'am only 100 pages into Resolute and it's hard to put down. It is interesting to me that the British naval officers continue to wear their uniforms instead of warm artic clothing so they can be true to their country. Their fortitude and bravery in trying to find a Northwest Passage is amazing. I love this book and I love the appendix and notes at the back. This extra information is wonderful. Yvonne

[Bastet]

Hi~

I have only started reading "Resolute" tonight so I am only 3 chapters in. I have to say it was difficult for me to put the book down long enough to participate a bit in these conversations (*smile*)! It has been an excellent read, thus far, and I have learned an incredible amount in just 50 pages. I am a relatively new student to maritime history, so I am devouring everything I can on the subject. I am especially interested in the late 19th century and early 20th century as it pertains to maritime history so this book fits in perfectly with some of the others in the genre I have been reading recently.

I confess I had never heard of the HMS Resolute before I stumbled across this book club last night, so I am thoroughly enjoying learning all about this wonder, and at the same time learning more about the British maritime explorations of the 19th century. The first fact that has amazed me in my readings is that of the ultimate fate of the ship. I can't believe it became the president's desk in the Oval Office! I can't wait to start telling everyone I know that one (*wink*).

Thanks!
Rachel

[MartySandler]

Thanks for your meesage. I'm a big fan of Philbrick and think that his MAYFLOWER is a marvelous book. You can imagine how pleased I am that several reviewers have written that RESOLUTE is as exciting and well researched a book.

[MartySandler]

Your point about the British officers wearing their traditional clothing is well taken. In all the research I did for RESOLUTE, I was continually amazed at their sense of tradition and their passionate desire to bring glory to England - a desire that in many cases was even greater than other motivations such as rewards or promotion.

[MartySandler]

Thans for your message. I have to admit that until I "discovered" the Franklin story and the extraordinary role that the Resolute played in it, I had never really delved into maritime history. Now I'm really hooked and am in the midst of writing another book in which maritime affairs play a key role.

[MartySandler]

I agree with you. Philbrick writes beautifully and he always supplies surprising, yet authentic information. Before reading MAYFLOWER I thought I knew almost everything about the Pilgrims. He sure proved me wrong, much to my benefit and delight.

[SCWillson]

I'm looking forward to reading Philbrook's Mayflower as soon as my girlfriend finishes it . (I got it for her as a Christmas gift since she's a direct descendant of John Alden.)