A Mans Passion

Sailing Alone Around the World

Joshua Slocum

Through Joshua Slocums Sailing Alone Around the World I was able
to get a deeper understanding of how ones passion can lead one to do
things which may seem impossible but once complete creates an immense
sense of satisfaction. His writing style also allows the reader to be
immersed in his adventure around the world. His appreciation for nature
and the people adds to the beauty of this well crafted story.
In chapter 6 of Sailing Alone Around the World Joshua Slocum is
tossed in the water after his boat has been flipped by a wave and he
confesses to us that he suddenly remembered that he could not swim
(p.46). This really took me by surprise since he has been a sailor for his
whole life yet doesnt know how to swim. Knowing that he doesnt know
how to swim he still takes the risk of sailing around the world by himself,
which I think, shows how much he was passionate about sailing and the
sea. I was able to personally connect with Slocum in the sense that his
passion for his craft has allowed him to accomplish things which not just
anyone could do the same way my passion for guitar has allowed me to
accomplish things not many people have done.
Throughout Sailing Alone Around the World Joshua Slocum tells us
stories of the places that he visited which I really enjoyed. I think that the

details, which Slocum provides to us about the cultures and people he

interacted with, not only serve as a good basis for the story, but also as a
historical treasure as it allows us to learn about the inhabitants of the
places he visited. Slocum shows that he is not really worried about the
dangers that surround him but more with the beautiful landscape which
surrounds him. I woke to realize that I had slept through one of the most
elegant scenes of the voyage(p.126). I think that if Joshua Slocum could
have stayed up indefinitely to experience his surrounds he would have since
he seems to enjoy being exposed to new places and people and not so
much the sailing.
I was pleased to see that Slocum showed appreciation for the natives
as well as the animals, which he encountered. Slocum seems to be critical
of how the Europeans have infringed on the natives lives, especially through
the use of missionary efforts to convert the natives to Christianity. Unlike
many people of his time, Slocum shows no sense of superiority over the
natives that he meets. Slocum says that he didnt want to take any of their
lives for his own gain in reference to the animals he encounters (p.77).
This reinforces how much Slocum really appreciates the voyage he is
experiencing.
I was immediately drawn into Joshua Slocums story because of the
writing style, which he used in the book. Slocum uses a type of
conversational writing style, which makes the book very easy to read, unlike
other authors, which use writing with a lot of ornaments and
embellishments to make the book sound more sophisticated. Slocum style

of writing almost reminds me of Mark Twains writing style. Slocum made

the story more true to life by keeping the characters he meets dialogue true
to their culture and language, which made me appreciate the book more.
Joshua Slocums Sailing Alone Around the World is one that is easy to
read and allows the reader to be immersed in the world that he has painted
for us. His story not only made me more knowledgeable about the sea and
the countries he visited but also made me think deeper about my passions.
This book is one that I enjoyed and will read again.