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Delivery by Sea: One Man's Struggle with Epilepsy & Depression

Nick Ward

Why we're reading this: This book is relevant to this group as it deals with one man's struggles in living, daily with epilepsy. …more
[close] This book is relevant to this group as it deals with one man's struggles in living, daily with epilepsy. Nick Ward developed a brain hemorrhage at age 16 or 17 (exact age at time of the stroke is not mentioned in the book). See my review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

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Nov 04, 2021 Nic rated it liked it

Shelves: nonfiction, adventure, memoirs, medical, history, united-kingdom

This was very difficult to rate, star wise. It's definitely a stellar story which kept me engrossed and turning pages. Nick Ward has led a fascinating life and his story encompasses an interesting history on the nautical way of life in England during the late 60s early 70s. There are many layers to this rich tale including the nautical history, Ward's sailing career, and his epilepsy. I'm also now intrigued to read another of his books, Left For Dead which describes the historic UK 1979 Fastnet This was very difficult to rate, star wise. It's definitely a stellar story which kept me engrossed and turning pages. Nick Ward has led a fascinating life and his story encompasses an interesting history on the nautical way of life in England during the late 60s early 70s. There are many layers to this rich tale including the nautical history, Ward's sailing career, and his epilepsy. I'm also now intrigued to read another of his books, Left For Dead which describes the historic UK 1979 Fastnet Race. During this race a terrible storm whipped up the Irish Sea (50 to 60 ft waves) and Nick Ward was one of the last survivors plucked from the storm. I believe a film is in the works based off of this book. details here

In this memoir Nick describes how a rare brain hemorrhage and ensuing epilepsy interrupted his burgeoning sailing career.

But I am denied the opportunity to leave school, to pursue the pursuable, after taking exams to make my way in the world, because, out of nowhere, out of the blue comes a brain haemorrhage. And that other life is not destined to be. p.27 Kindle Edition.

Ward's struggles with epilepsy, while continuing to work in the nautical field, are nothing short of heroic (1979 Fastnet Race to name one example).

Getting back the confidence to once again do things, which once had come so easily to me, things such as sailing, rowing, sculling, swimming and riding a bicycle, now provide obstacles all involve questions of safety [sic]. And which I have to take seriously. p. 77. Kindle Edition.

I love Ward's description of his first mentor and teacher, a crochety curmudgeon of a character. Nichol took me out to ‘show me the ropes’, or more ropes than I’ve already been shown. Nick wears his buoyancy aid over a huge yellow oilskin, a proper one, old fashioned but proper. He never seems to get wet. Like water is his best friend, that or it is afraid of him. And he smokes a pipe. We all of us know when it is blowing at Hamble, for Nick smokes his pipe upside down. p. 15. Kindle Edition. Literally, it's Popeye!

Although his stories are amazing. You can't make this stuff up! The writing lags. It's unfortunate he doesn't have a better editor, or any editor? This book is self published and it reads like a first draft. It could use a lot of polish throughout. However, the story is incredible enough that it stands on it's own two sea legs and will keep you turning pages. ...more

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