Captain Solitude
232 pages
Published: May 21, 2024
Non-Fiction / Travel
Paperback: 9781773103303 $22.95
In April of 1895, a Nova Scotian by the name of Joshua Slocum set sail from Boston with the goal of circumnavigating the globe by himself. Three years and 46,000 miles later, he would publish the story of his journey, Sailing Alone Around the World, an instant classic that has since never been out of print. A decade later, in 1909, Slocum set sail for the Amazon and was never seen again.
Published: May 21, 2024
Non-Fiction / Travel
Paperback: 9781773103303 $22.95
In April of 1895, a Nova Scotian by the name of Joshua Slocum set sail from Boston with the goal of circumnavigating the globe by himself. Three years and 46,000 miles later, he would publish the story of his journey, Sailing Alone Around the World, an instant classic that has since never been out of print. A decade later, in 1909, Slocum set sail for the Amazon and was never seen again.
More than a century later another Nova Scotian adventurer, RC Shaw, leaves his home in Cow Bay on a bicycle bound for Slocum’s childhood home of Brier Island. Travelling down Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Shaw sets off on a journey to chase the ghost of Joshua Slocum, casting aside reason and attempting his own miraculous sea crossing.
Rollicking, refreshing, and undeniably adventurous, Captain Solitude is one man’s story of whimsical spirit-rousing, saltwater transcendence, and the discovery of the hidden layers and characters of Nova Scotia’s coastal crown.
Rollicking, refreshing, and undeniably adventurous, Captain Solitude is one man’s story of whimsical spirit-rousing, saltwater transcendence, and the discovery of the hidden layers and characters of Nova Scotia’s coastal crown.
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Author
RC Shaw is a writer and outdoor enthusiast from Cow Bay, Nova Scotia. He holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of King’s College. His first book Louisbourg or Bust was a finalist for the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award.
Reviews
“A raucous and engaging tale. Chasing the ghost of a vanished mariner, riding waves, and downing beer, the indefatigable RC Shaw sets off on his quixotic journey aboard his trusty cargo bike, guided by little more than a Magic 8 Ball and pure gumption. Captain Solitude perfectly captures the seascapes, wry humour, and rhythms of life in Nova Scotia. Bravo!” — Will Ferguson, author of Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw
“Shaw’s adventure reads like his bike has a sidecar. He immerses you in his journey, yearning for the romance of all we lost as we gained the modern age. Captain Solitude champions our lineage with fried haddock and privateers, celebrating the hardy souls who made — and still make — Nova Scotia Bluenose country. Engrossing, lively, and seasoned with plenty of good salt.” — Kate Inglis, author of Notes for the Everlost
“Like tucking into a butter-soaked rappie pie, Captain Solitude fills you up with heart-warming dirtbag insight, salty chunks of local lore, and the Kerouacian curiosity of an open-minded road-warrior. A wild reverie of the ocean and those who ply it by hull, hand, or board, RC Shaw’s two-wheeled voyage into the unknown is a delightful travelogue in search of new waves, old ghosts, and at the end of the day, a hot meal.” — Tyler LeBlanc, author of Acadian Driftwood
“Shaw’s adventure reads like his bike has a sidecar. He immerses you in his journey, yearning for the romance of all we lost as we gained the modern age. Captain Solitude champions our lineage with fried haddock and privateers, celebrating the hardy souls who made — and still make — Nova Scotia Bluenose country. Engrossing, lively, and seasoned with plenty of good salt.” — Kate Inglis, author of Notes for the Everlost
“Like tucking into a butter-soaked rappie pie, Captain Solitude fills you up with heart-warming dirtbag insight, salty chunks of local lore, and the Kerouacian curiosity of an open-minded road-warrior. A wild reverie of the ocean and those who ply it by hull, hand, or board, RC Shaw’s two-wheeled voyage into the unknown is a delightful travelogue in search of new waves, old ghosts, and at the end of the day, a hot meal.” — Tyler LeBlanc, author of Acadian Driftwood
