Cap'n Warren's Wards: 09/03/06

Back in 2003 I picked up four vegetable boxes of old books from a man who was moving and didn't want to schlep them to his new home. Many of the books were in poor condition but there were enough good finds to make the trip worth it. Among the books were a bunch by an author whom I had already enjoyed, Joseph C. Lincoln.

Lincoln was a sailor before he took to novel writing. All of his books involve a nautical theme and most books take place on or near one of a small number of fictional towns on Cape Cod.

Cap'n Warren's Wards starts on the Cape but moves quickly to Manhattan. It also introduces the character of seaman turned reporter who is now freelancing and trying to break into publishing with a first novel, based of course on his time at sea. I had to wonder if Jim Pearson was based on Lincoln's own experiences as a young writer.

The book also covers themes that his other books avoid. The other books I've read so far focus on character development, usually a coming of age of a young character or the redemption of an older character. In this book there is also social commentary on the disparity between classes and the extent some people will go to in order to fulfill their greed. All of this gives the book a slightly darker feel than his more straight-forward books like Partners in the Tide.

Here is my BookCrossing Review

Cap'n Warren's Wards is the first book by Joseph C. Lincoln that moves off the fictional towns of Cape Cod (in this case South Denboro) and into the big city hustle of Manhattan. Elijah Warren finds himself the guardian of his brother's children who are rapidly reaching adulthood but haven't had to face the harsh realities of self responsibility due to their father's wealth. Unfortunately now there are a few snags with A. Rodgers Warren's estate and Cap'n Warren decides its best to toughen his wards up and maybe teach them some humility in the process.

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