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Title: Farallon: Shipwreck and Survival on the Alaska Shore by Steve K. Lloyd ISBN: 0-87422-193-5 Publisher: Washington State Univ Pr Pub. Date: August, 2000 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $35.00

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Average Customer Rating: 4.6 (10 reviews)

Rating: 5
Summary: A survival narrative that is not to be missed!
Comment: There have been a number of recent books published about disaster and survival in cold places, and Farallon: Shipwreck and Survival on the Alaska Shore is among the best. The Farallon was a wooden steamship that sunk in Alaska in 1910, and this book is the story of the men who were aboard as passengers and crew, and how they survived being cast away in the barren wilderness in midwinter.

The author provides plenty of background on the various mariners and ships that played a part in the events that unfolded while pacing the narrative in a very compelling manner. Lloyd's research (which was clearly extensive) is well-documented, unlike other "true adventure" books I've read where the reader is never sure what actually happened, and what parts represent the author's artistic license.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history or shipwrecks, and especially to those readers who enjoy a well-told story of man's strength and resolve in times of incredible adversity!

Rating: 5
Summary: Great shipwreck story!
Comment: I read every shipwreck story I can get my hands on, and this one ranks right up at the top of my list! The author has captured the excitement and heartbreak perfectly; I felt like I was living the adventure right there with the men on the Farallon. This book makes an excellent addition to my collection. Also, there is a Web site with more information about this book and Steve Lloyd's next shipwreck adventure, which I'm eager to get my hands on! ( ).

Rating: 3
Summary: A dry historical account
Comment: I guess I'm in the minority by only thinking this book deserves only fair praise. I take off two stars for two reasons:

First, the writing style in not engaging. It is a dry historical account. The author certainly did all of his homework to form a complete story with all background. However, the story is just a retelling of facts and happenings, instead of a narative that draws the readers in and has them feeling the chill of winter in Alaska.

Second, the actual subject matter is only semi-intering. This book can basically be sumed up as: ship strikes reef, everyone abandons the vessel and camps on-shore for a month, and then are rescued by a passing ship looking for them. There really are no gripping, dramatic momments.

Compare this story to better ones, like "Batavia's Graveyard", a story of mutiny, shipwreck, and murder combined with a lively writing style. "Farallon" is a good story, but I don't think it certainly rises up to the five star praise that others are heaping onto it.