Voyage of the Eclipse
Erik T. Hirschmann
Epicenter Press (2023)
ISBN: 978-1684920518
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wehman for Reader Views (10/2023)
Erik T. Hirschmann’s book “Voyage of the Eclipse” put me in an exploring, swashbuckling mood right from the start. The book begins in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1801 with the boat Eclipse dashing against the waves toward distant Alaskan oceans. We follow the crew of the Eclipse, including Second Mate Joshua Hall and First Mate Micah Triplett, as they pursue adventures and discoveries amid a treacherous voyage. Will Joshua Hall find his long-lost brother and report back to his family regarding his whereabouts? Will their trading business be beneficial as well as lucrative? Readers of the “Voyage of the Eclipse” will experience extreme weather, odd yet delicious meals, and threats to their ship along with enduring frustrations with the natives for a thrilling historical adventure.
The general writing of the book was solid and good. The settings and surrounding depictions will cause readers to sweat, feel nauseated, and perhaps even scratch insect bites as the adventures of the Eclipse transpires. Hirschmann’s setting descriptions are vivid and enhanced by sentences like…
Powerful gusts shrieked like demons over the deck – a rough, choppy, and cold ocean greeted the two skiffs, after minutes of arduous rowing – A large, four-inch cinnamon-colored hummingbird darted alongside the three men.
..which created a picturesque world being explored by the ship’s crew.
Mariners and adventuresome readers would appreciate the crass dialogue between crew members and officers which helped develop realistic characters. Several characters had established mindsets as to how this trip would evolve and Hirschmann did a fine job of detailing those thoughts and emotions through his characters. I did find the point of view between characters distracting due to the size of the cast introduced and used in this story. It took this reader a bit to fully engage in the story, yet true ship-worthy/adventurous readers will enjoy exploring lands that were new two hundred years ago. Despite the introduction of a whole new family almost three-quarters of the way through the book, (perhaps leading to a sequel) the book’s ending was satisfying and pulled together the story elements well.
Adventurers and world explorers understood the endeavors of early travelers. Exploring and learning about foreign tribes was important throughout the world, giving those sending the ships great information for future endeavors. Barbaric and cruel explorers gave bad names to those who were civil and courteous. Hirschmann depicted this importance well. This book would be enjoyed by mariners, historical readers, and even boating enthusiasts. Those who enjoy learning more about the exploration of these areas of the world would enjoy this read.
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