Very Ordinary Seaman

Immerse yourself in the compelling narrative of ‘Very Ordinary Seaman,’ a poignant memoir capturing the raw essence of lower-deck life in the British Navy during World War II. This extraordinary book, authored by Brian Lavery and J. P. W. Mallalieu, navigates through the experiences of ordinary seamen from their rigorous training to their perilous missions aboard a destroyer safeguarding vital convoys bound for Arctic Russia. With its vivid storytelling and authentic portrayal, this paperback edition is a must-have for history enthusiasts and naval memoir fans alike. Experience the humor and humanity interwoven in this gripping account as it unfolds the challenges and camaraderie faced by seafarers in wartime. Published by Lodestar Books, ‘Very Ordinary Seaman’ has received acclaim for its documentary-style writing, making it not just a book, but a powerful piece of history. Through perceptive insights and harrowing tales, discover the realities of naval warfare, the relentless dangers, and the enduring spirit held by the sailors. Weighing in at 330 pages and sized at 156 x 216 mm, this book is your gateway to an understanding of life at sea during one of history's most tumultuous periods. Don't miss the chance to explore this remarkable literary voyage, destined to leave readers breathless with every turn of the page. Grab your copy now and join the legions of readers who have been moved by this timeless narrative.

Authors: Brian Lavery, J. P. W. Mallalieu Publisher: Lodestar Books
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 156 x 216 mm
Pages: 330
Publication Date: 08-10-2018

First published to huge acclaim during the war it describes, Very Ordinary Seaman relates—with humanity, humour and the authority of experience—lower-deck life in the British navy, from basic training to service on a destroyer protecting a convoy to Arctic Russia, a mission which came under heavy attack by air and sea, and from which many did not return. When Very Ordinary Seaman first appeared in the spring of 1944, V.?S.?Pritchett of the New Statesman described it as ‘One of the best pieces of documentary writing that I have come across during the war.’ Elizabeth Bowen wrote in The Tatler, ‘the last chapters of Very Ordinary Seaman did leave me breathless; and also, feeling that we have known too little.’ John Betjeman wrote, ‘This is so sincere and truthful, so much both, that you are held all the time… You become part of the community life of the ship, so that despite the dangers, boredom and discomfort you step ashore reluctantly.’ By any standards this was a remarkable performance for a writer who was wearing the uniform of an ordinary seaman and sitting in a busy, overcrowded naval office ‘facing a blank wall and typing myself dry.’ — from Brian Lavery’s Introduction