Wide Courses (Edition2024)

Wide Courses explores themes of resilience, memory, and the harsh realities of a dangerous profession. Set in the early 20th century, it follows the life of a seasoned wrecker who salvages shipwrecks, a profession fraught with both peril and promise. The protagonist reflects on his journey, recounting moments of triumph, loss, and the complexities of his family life. Central to the narrative are his emotional connections to the sea and the people who have shaped his life, particularly a first wife and his children. The novel portrays the profound effects of a challenging career, including the physical and emotional toll it takes over the years. The protagonist also grapples with fading memory, leading to moments of introspection as he recalls past events with a sense of longing and sorrow. At its core, the story is about navigating the past, confronting the weight of personal loss, and discovering the enduring ties that bind one to family, profession, and the unrelenting sea. Through vivid reflections on a hard-lived life, the book paints a rich portrait of one man's journey and the relationships that define his existence.