This book initially annoyed me so much I decided I wouldn't read it at all. It was like listening to your grandfather tell some interminable tale, with a million asides and danged colorful expressions. Then I remembered what my brother told me about conversations with our mother: you have to let go of expectations of time passing, linear thinking or coherence, and just enjoy.I did that, and began enjoying Doss's story. But enough is enough, and too much is too much. By about three-quarters, four-fifths through, I was fed up, skimming pages to try to find places where the thread of the story was actually being followed. I'd never read him before, and other reviewers say that he went over the top with this book, that others aren't as windy.I don't care. It's back to Africa and sailing and history for me. When I first discovered the Charlie Moon books, I loved them. I don't know why the author has changed his approach so much, but I wish he'd go back to the straight forward narrative. The last few books I did't enjoy, and this might be the last one I read. They are more difficult to follow, all the 'asides' (I don't know how to describe these supposedly cute or funny interludes)..it's like the story teller is getting lost by going down too many side alleys on his way to the finish line.
What do You think about Coffin Man (2000)?
Has a different narrative style. Good characters like Aunt Daisy.
—Abhi
