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In Search of a Soul
Douglas Durian was a dangerous man, until a traumatic event on his last mission as a Navy SEAL took five years of his memory. He sails the ocean alone looking for answers about his life. He rescues a young girl far out at sea and his life is turned around. She demands that he remember his past in order to save her from the man who held her in servitude. She is abducted and Douglas must rescue her to save both their lives. He sets out to make sure that her captor will never harm her again. In his search he encounters love and friendship as he rediscovers the beauty of the sea and his lost soul. Sailing, humor, high adventure and desperate actions make this tale worth reading and enjoying.
214 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2010
18 people want to read
About the author
Dannie C. Hill
4 books23 followersI live with my wife in Thailand and on occasion in Houston, Texas. Most of my writing is done in Thailand. I have four published novels that are enjoyed by many readers.
When not writing I love sailing, motorcycles and farming. My wife and I have a small farm in Thailand and it’s hard work but relaxes my mind while my daydreams take shape on paper. Thailand allows the sounds of English to quiet and my daydreams come to life.
Learn more about me as a writer at my blog: A Writer’s Life in Thailand.
When not writing I love sailing, motorcycles and farming. My wife and I have a small farm in Thailand and it’s hard work but relaxes my mind while my daydreams take shape on paper. Thailand allows the sounds of English to quiet and my daydreams come to life.
Learn more about me as a writer at my blog: A Writer’s Life in Thailand.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 23, 2014
First thought was...a book about a guy on a sailboat? Hmm.
But I am privileged to know the author and I decided to take the plunge. I'm VERY glad that I did.
In Search of a Soul is a unique and emotional adventure which follows Douglas Durian, a former Navy SEAL who hits rock bottom and sails off to find himself. He inches forward on his path of self-discovery, but he's an expert at being the self-inflicted type of guy and holds himself back.
Until the day he rescues a young girl at sea...and his world changes forever.
Through Mae Yu, his fatherly instincts are unearthed. The ability to love and laugh again. The instinct to protect and save the innocent from the evil.
This is one of Hill's early works, but it is written well—with beautiful artistry and human emotion often lacking in so many novels these days.
Totally worth checking out!
Britt Skrabanek
http://brittskrabanek.com
But I am privileged to know the author and I decided to take the plunge. I'm VERY glad that I did.
In Search of a Soul is a unique and emotional adventure which follows Douglas Durian, a former Navy SEAL who hits rock bottom and sails off to find himself. He inches forward on his path of self-discovery, but he's an expert at being the self-inflicted type of guy and holds himself back.
Until the day he rescues a young girl at sea...and his world changes forever.
Through Mae Yu, his fatherly instincts are unearthed. The ability to love and laugh again. The instinct to protect and save the innocent from the evil.
This is one of Hill's early works, but it is written well—with beautiful artistry and human emotion often lacking in so many novels these days.
Totally worth checking out!
Britt Skrabanek
http://brittskrabanek.com
August 15, 2011
We don't know his name when we meet him, but DJ - Douglas John Durian - is a solitary man filled with sorrow so great his mind won't even let him remember what happened. He literally bumps into a girl who will rescue him from himself long enough to get him in deeper than he thought he'd ever go again.
The sequences of this story that take place at sea in DJ boat - Tirak - are so beautifully written that for a wanderer like me it was almost torture. They are so real, so evocative, that I longed to be at sea myself. The oneness DJ feels for his boat is unique and sensual - the way that word is intended but seldom used; to mean all about the senses.
Every character he introduces becomes a friend. The writer's respect and love for women shines through and makes this tale uni-sex in every way. This isn't some trumpeting, chest-thumping hero. No, in fact, to say he's a reluctant one is an understatement. This is the man every woman hopes to meet - unknowingly strong, sensitive, noble, honorable, wounded but retrievable.
Although the plot rolls softly into our consciousness, it's never dull and there's plenty going on to keep you coming back. Make room in your heart for this book. Just possibly it will replace some hard spot you've been working to let go of. It will definitely make you glad you encountered DJ, Tirak and all those he pulls tightly to his chest.
The sequences of this story that take place at sea in DJ boat - Tirak - are so beautifully written that for a wanderer like me it was almost torture. They are so real, so evocative, that I longed to be at sea myself. The oneness DJ feels for his boat is unique and sensual - the way that word is intended but seldom used; to mean all about the senses.
Every character he introduces becomes a friend. The writer's respect and love for women shines through and makes this tale uni-sex in every way. This isn't some trumpeting, chest-thumping hero. No, in fact, to say he's a reluctant one is an understatement. This is the man every woman hopes to meet - unknowingly strong, sensitive, noble, honorable, wounded but retrievable.
Although the plot rolls softly into our consciousness, it's never dull and there's plenty going on to keep you coming back. Make room in your heart for this book. Just possibly it will replace some hard spot you've been working to let go of. It will definitely make you glad you encountered DJ, Tirak and all those he pulls tightly to his chest.
May 24, 2011
In Search of a Soul delivered on many levels, but what captured me from the moment I began reading, was Mr. Hill's extraordinary ability to describe the feelings evoked by the ocean. At the risk of sounding trite, the author's descriptions of sailing the world literally stirred my soul. Reading this work left me feeling more romantically attached to the water than I've ever felt in my life. Well written, and full of adventure, In Search of a Soul is a great read for those who long to spend time being captivated by the wonders of the sea.
May 24, 2011
IN SEARCH OF A SOUL is the story of Douglas John Durian, who roams the South Pacific in his sailboat, Tirac. He suffers from post traumatic syndrome stemming from his military service. It’s a story about redemption, a shining knight on a white horse, and sailing.
I’ve never set foot on a sailboat and most of the story takes place on one; it took me about half the book to really get into the setting. Once I had, though, it was exotic and exciting, and made me yearn for the experience. Hill paints the picture of living on a sailboat well.
Durian finds a child floating in the sea, clinging to life. He nurses her back to health and wins her trust, so she opens up and tells him her story. She’s Chinese and her family has sold her to a ruthless businessman. Held captive on an island, she escaped and she doesn’t want to return.
They sail together, island hopping in the South Pacific, growing into a father-daughter relationship. The problem is, she has to hide when they sail into port to restock; papers are required for everyone and she has none.
Durian learns the authorities are searching for her. He allows her to come ashore, thinking they could act as guide and tourist. The police see her and grab her, then return her to the thug who’d bought her. Thinking he might have lost her forever, and thus failed her, Durian sinks into a self-destructive alcoholic stupor, drifting on the ocean.
Friends from the past find him, sober him up and nurse him back to health, and help him plan a rescue. The girl has left clues as to her whereabouts, but they...
Sorry, you’ll have to read IN SEARCH OF A SOUL to know how it ends.
As stated, author Dannie Hill did a knock-up job with his descriptions of the sights, sounds, and movements of life on a sailboat. I really came to appreciate how he wrote the boat, Tirak, as an important character in the story, full of emotion and spirit.
If you like sailing or sailing stories, reading IN SEARCH OF A SOUL is a no-brainer. But it’s not just a sailing story, it’s a story about a man’s search for, well, his soul, which he lost in the war.
I’ve never set foot on a sailboat and most of the story takes place on one; it took me about half the book to really get into the setting. Once I had, though, it was exotic and exciting, and made me yearn for the experience. Hill paints the picture of living on a sailboat well.
Durian finds a child floating in the sea, clinging to life. He nurses her back to health and wins her trust, so she opens up and tells him her story. She’s Chinese and her family has sold her to a ruthless businessman. Held captive on an island, she escaped and she doesn’t want to return.
They sail together, island hopping in the South Pacific, growing into a father-daughter relationship. The problem is, she has to hide when they sail into port to restock; papers are required for everyone and she has none.
Durian learns the authorities are searching for her. He allows her to come ashore, thinking they could act as guide and tourist. The police see her and grab her, then return her to the thug who’d bought her. Thinking he might have lost her forever, and thus failed her, Durian sinks into a self-destructive alcoholic stupor, drifting on the ocean.
Friends from the past find him, sober him up and nurse him back to health, and help him plan a rescue. The girl has left clues as to her whereabouts, but they...
Sorry, you’ll have to read IN SEARCH OF A SOUL to know how it ends.
As stated, author Dannie Hill did a knock-up job with his descriptions of the sights, sounds, and movements of life on a sailboat. I really came to appreciate how he wrote the boat, Tirak, as an important character in the story, full of emotion and spirit.
If you like sailing or sailing stories, reading IN SEARCH OF A SOUL is a no-brainer. But it’s not just a sailing story, it’s a story about a man’s search for, well, his soul, which he lost in the war.
August 30, 2011
“In Search of a Soul” is a deep heartfelt tale of a Navy Seal, Douglas Durian. Bolted within his own tortured memories he runs to the sea for escape. It is here that the author Dannie Hill creates emotions that will turn any admiration for the sea into a desire to feel so much more.
Through the character, Douglas, we are opened to the inhumanity he witness in others who jeopardize the safety of a young girl. In his attempt to free her he himself is forced to face his own inner beast as well as unspoken love.
Truly a captivating piece of work that I would recommend to any reader.
Through the character, Douglas, we are opened to the inhumanity he witness in others who jeopardize the safety of a young girl. In his attempt to free her he himself is forced to face his own inner beast as well as unspoken love.
Truly a captivating piece of work that I would recommend to any reader.
June 21, 2013
The first thing I have to say about In Search of a Soul is that Dannie C. Hill does an excellent job with the writing. His writing is elegant and even poetic at times. His descriptions are captivating and I particularly like how he is able to give character to the boat named Tirak.
The story follows a man named Douglas John Durian, a man suffering from Post Traumatic Syndrome from life in the military, who now lives the solitary life on his sailboat Tirak. The author does an amazing job of describing the relationship Douglas has with his boat, which in itself is a character in the story. In Search of a Soul is largely based on the sea and I have to admit at times I had a hard time staying focused due to the pace. Later in the story John Durian finds a young Chinese girl floating in the sea, he rescues her, nurses her back to health and then the story progresses from there where John, who is so used to living by himself, now has this girl to take care of. After gaining his trust the girl opens up and tells him her disturbing story.
The majority of In Search of a Soul is dedicated to John's fatherly relationship with the girl and struggling with his past demons that haunt him from his military experience. However, his military experience proves very helpful later in the story, which helped pick up the pace a bit, as some parts of the story were a bit too slow-paced for me at times. However, the elegant writing and the very satisfying ending made it a worthwhile read.
If you are interested in sailing, you will definitely enjoy this adventure. The author did a very good job of making me feel like I was on the boat with the characters traveling the open seas. Very interesting story.
I actually rate this story 4 1/2 stars, but since the system doesn't allow 1/2 star ratings, I'll give it four stars only because sometimes I felt the story was a little too slow-paced. Other than that, it was a great read! I look forward to reading other books written by this author.
The story follows a man named Douglas John Durian, a man suffering from Post Traumatic Syndrome from life in the military, who now lives the solitary life on his sailboat Tirak. The author does an amazing job of describing the relationship Douglas has with his boat, which in itself is a character in the story. In Search of a Soul is largely based on the sea and I have to admit at times I had a hard time staying focused due to the pace. Later in the story John Durian finds a young Chinese girl floating in the sea, he rescues her, nurses her back to health and then the story progresses from there where John, who is so used to living by himself, now has this girl to take care of. After gaining his trust the girl opens up and tells him her disturbing story.
The majority of In Search of a Soul is dedicated to John's fatherly relationship with the girl and struggling with his past demons that haunt him from his military experience. However, his military experience proves very helpful later in the story, which helped pick up the pace a bit, as some parts of the story were a bit too slow-paced for me at times. However, the elegant writing and the very satisfying ending made it a worthwhile read.
If you are interested in sailing, you will definitely enjoy this adventure. The author did a very good job of making me feel like I was on the boat with the characters traveling the open seas. Very interesting story.
I actually rate this story 4 1/2 stars, but since the system doesn't allow 1/2 star ratings, I'll give it four stars only because sometimes I felt the story was a little too slow-paced. Other than that, it was a great read! I look forward to reading other books written by this author.
May 4, 2011
This is another of my books and once again I will let a reader give their review-- taken from Amazon reviews. Forgive me for put forth one my own but I have read this book again and again for inspiration. The following reivew is from a reader:
PTSD is something that can take many different faces. When I opened the book "In Search of a Soul", I sensed what it is going to be about and I am intriqued right away. While I expected a typical story of uncontrollable violence and a broken family, I was pleasantly surprised to be led into a voyage of calm, bitter-sweetness, and love. It carried me away. I think it is because the language is so easy and rhythmatic, just like the ocean. And Tilak, Douglas' sail boat, is a living breathing creature that rises and falls with the mood of the ocean and her master. it almost seemed like Douglas was doing just fine. What about his PTSD? I was lured into watching the cresting and smashing of the waves, touching Tilak's pulses, searching in Douglas every small move, to find the tiniest trace of the impact of what could only be described as horror that had obviously been buried deep in his mind.
As if that wasn't refreshing enough, a mysterious young girl came into the picture. She was unlike anybody you have ever read about. A tension suddenly came upon Douglas' self-inflicted solitary confinement as he had to change his routine to deal with the girl. Like a dreamland, the story unfolds with many unexpected twists and turns. And the ending gave me the satisfaction I sought. Finally I could breathe, for Douglas, and for his girls.
The story reads so real and yet so different, I had a feeling that the author must have lived part of it. And I was right. "In Search of a Soul" was a rare joy indeed. Thank you for taking me on this voyage of enchantment!
PTSD is something that can take many different faces. When I opened the book "In Search of a Soul", I sensed what it is going to be about and I am intriqued right away. While I expected a typical story of uncontrollable violence and a broken family, I was pleasantly surprised to be led into a voyage of calm, bitter-sweetness, and love. It carried me away. I think it is because the language is so easy and rhythmatic, just like the ocean. And Tilak, Douglas' sail boat, is a living breathing creature that rises and falls with the mood of the ocean and her master. it almost seemed like Douglas was doing just fine. What about his PTSD? I was lured into watching the cresting and smashing of the waves, touching Tilak's pulses, searching in Douglas every small move, to find the tiniest trace of the impact of what could only be described as horror that had obviously been buried deep in his mind.
As if that wasn't refreshing enough, a mysterious young girl came into the picture. She was unlike anybody you have ever read about. A tension suddenly came upon Douglas' self-inflicted solitary confinement as he had to change his routine to deal with the girl. Like a dreamland, the story unfolds with many unexpected twists and turns. And the ending gave me the satisfaction I sought. Finally I could breathe, for Douglas, and for his girls.
The story reads so real and yet so different, I had a feeling that the author must have lived part of it. And I was right. "In Search of a Soul" was a rare joy indeed. Thank you for taking me on this voyage of enchantment!
October 19, 2011
This story encompassed a whole range of emotions. And I say this, because the book is all about human emotions. The main character Douglas goes through turmoil, love, denial, and friendship. Friends, new and old, come to help each in their unique ways, a man that is lost at sea, and no I'm not talking about the ocean he sails on, but the sea of emotions that have been locked away for so long.
The story mainly happens on his sailboat, and you may think not much happens, but you'd be wrong. Dannie Hill manages to capture the beautiful setting in which our main character finds himself in. The sailing jargon is used to make the story plausible, but not to the point so the reader who knows nothing about sailing (like myself) feels overburden with all the terms.
The book has a gripping beginning where the reader is immediately thrown into the action. The story then takes a turn, deep into the human psyche, then becomes suspenseful with the rescue mission. But throughout all of this, there are beautiful and very poetic descriptions of the sea, the night sky, sunrise and sunsets. Life on a sailboat is wonderfully depicted. This brings me to another character that took me by surprise.
Dannie Hill manages to breathe life into a sailboat by the name of Tirak. She (yes, Tirak is a 'she') becomes part of the cast like any other character that we come to know. It was wonderful to see the sailboat portrayed with a personality, moods, and ability to seemingly accept or reject the females onboard. And by the end of the book, I was just as much attached to Tirak, as I was to Mei Yue and Jamila. Overall, I very much enjoyed this book.
The story mainly happens on his sailboat, and you may think not much happens, but you'd be wrong. Dannie Hill manages to capture the beautiful setting in which our main character finds himself in. The sailing jargon is used to make the story plausible, but not to the point so the reader who knows nothing about sailing (like myself) feels overburden with all the terms.
The book has a gripping beginning where the reader is immediately thrown into the action. The story then takes a turn, deep into the human psyche, then becomes suspenseful with the rescue mission. But throughout all of this, there are beautiful and very poetic descriptions of the sea, the night sky, sunrise and sunsets. Life on a sailboat is wonderfully depicted. This brings me to another character that took me by surprise.
Dannie Hill manages to breathe life into a sailboat by the name of Tirak. She (yes, Tirak is a 'she') becomes part of the cast like any other character that we come to know. It was wonderful to see the sailboat portrayed with a personality, moods, and ability to seemingly accept or reject the females onboard. And by the end of the book, I was just as much attached to Tirak, as I was to Mei Yue and Jamila. Overall, I very much enjoyed this book.
February 25, 2012
The novel "In Search of a Soul", by Dannie C. Hill is a beautiful story about the redemptive powers of love. The prose is poetic, rich with detail and paints a vivid portrait of life at sea.
Douglas is an ex Navy Seal dealing with blocked memories from a violent death he was responsible for in the middle-east. He spends his days sailing around the world in search of an escape from his past.
He finds a young girl adrift at sea and rescues her. As he slowly nurses her back to health both he and the girl let their natural defenses down and begin to share their stories. She helps him deal with the hidden memories and get past them. When she is suddenly taken from him he is forced to fight his demons and take action to get her back.
This is a compelling story that will touch your heart. For this non-sailor, some of the sailing lingo was a bit hard to understand, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
Douglas is an ex Navy Seal dealing with blocked memories from a violent death he was responsible for in the middle-east. He spends his days sailing around the world in search of an escape from his past.
He finds a young girl adrift at sea and rescues her. As he slowly nurses her back to health both he and the girl let their natural defenses down and begin to share their stories. She helps him deal with the hidden memories and get past them. When she is suddenly taken from him he is forced to fight his demons and take action to get her back.
This is a compelling story that will touch your heart. For this non-sailor, some of the sailing lingo was a bit hard to understand, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
October 2, 2012
In Search Of A Soul is an intriguing story about a former Navy SEAL, Douglas Durian who is suffering from a form of PTSD and locked inside of himself. Douglas escapes to the sea where his only companion is his boat, The Tirak.
As Douglas journey's through his own darkness, he encounters the dark side of others when he rescues a young girl who is in great jeopardy. The tables turn and force him to see beyond his own pain and in doing so; Douglas rescues the young girl, finds love and faces his demons.
In this deep compelling story, Douglas finds love and determination can penetrate through the darkness and he rediscovers who he was and knows finally who he can become. Douglas began alone, but in taking his eyes off himself to rescue others, they in turn actually rescue him.
I highly recommend this book. It is an inspiring look at how there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I hope you will read this book!
As Douglas journey's through his own darkness, he encounters the dark side of others when he rescues a young girl who is in great jeopardy. The tables turn and force him to see beyond his own pain and in doing so; Douglas rescues the young girl, finds love and faces his demons.
In this deep compelling story, Douglas finds love and determination can penetrate through the darkness and he rediscovers who he was and knows finally who he can become. Douglas began alone, but in taking his eyes off himself to rescue others, they in turn actually rescue him.
I highly recommend this book. It is an inspiring look at how there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I hope you will read this book!
December 9, 2011
“In Search of a Soul,” by Dannie C. Hill, is simply an amazing read. His romantically descriptive passages of the ocean, his boat, and his internal dialogue is nothing short of magical. The intensity and seriousness of the opening chapter contrasted sharply with the serenity of the Douglas’ journey over the ocean into his future, creating sort of a salt and sugar sensation in my mind. Douglas’ relationship with his boat, Tirak, played out like foreplay in a lover’s dance, with complete understanding of one another. The struggle the main character experiences between letting go of his past, or rather embracing it, in the face of a beautiful, intelligent, and strong young girl, pushing him along pulled me in, drew me into a comfortable place from which to watch. Amazing journey I took with him!
June 26, 2012
How to separate the author from the book? That is an important question when I set out to read In Search of a Soul. I've read Mr. Hill's stories in different forms, including stories of his life in Thailand. I've enjoyed his writing very much. The question was: Would I enjoy a full-length novel about a man on a sailboat? Would it be as delightful as what I've read from this author in brief posts?
I'm thrilled to say the answer is yes. This story is so much more than an adventure at sea. It's a tale of how love and redemption can help save one man's soul.
Oftentimes, Mr. Hill's words are less narrative and more poetic. I felt myself bobbing alongside him on his boat, watching the ocean with him, and silently praying he would eventually heal his embittered soul.
This is a beautiful book that touched me deeply. Read it and you'll no doubt be touched as well.
I'm thrilled to say the answer is yes. This story is so much more than an adventure at sea. It's a tale of how love and redemption can help save one man's soul.
Oftentimes, Mr. Hill's words are less narrative and more poetic. I felt myself bobbing alongside him on his boat, watching the ocean with him, and silently praying he would eventually heal his embittered soul.
This is a beautiful book that touched me deeply. Read it and you'll no doubt be touched as well.
February 13, 2012
You can tell, in reading In Search of a Soul, that Mr. Hill really enjoyed writing this story. It tells the story of a man who had been pushed too far, and had lost himself. As he sails the seas, obviously trying to avoid any attachments, especially with himself, and focuses all his emotions on his boat.
When he is forced to rescue a practically dead body he finds at sea, he is the one that is yanked back into the land of the living!
A beautifully written story, full of good times, light and spirit, the characters are human enough to be able to recognize yourself in the story, and maybe gain some insight. It was really a joy and pleasure reading this story.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
When he is forced to rescue a practically dead body he finds at sea, he is the one that is yanked back into the land of the living!
A beautifully written story, full of good times, light and spirit, the characters are human enough to be able to recognize yourself in the story, and maybe gain some insight. It was really a joy and pleasure reading this story.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
September 25, 2011
Who doesn't want to run away to the South Pacific and spend a few years on a sail boat? That's why I originally decided to give Mr. Hill's book a try. What a pleasant surprise to find a great story full of adventure, good guys, bad guys, romance and intrigue. A big thumbs up for a story I couldn't put down.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews