I ventured into this website and forum because I've been a Cussler fan since I read his first book. Even though the last few have started to fade a bit, too technical and not enough solid plot action, I still enjoyed them. Then I bought Black Wind. (Black not Dark, but I can't change the posting header!) Right from the beginning I started to notice some really bad writing. Poor dialogue, clumsy construction and worst of all, basic technical errors, particularly regarding the nautical elements. It's obvious that whoever wrote this book, and whoever edited it - if anyone did - have no sailing experience at all. The references just weren't correct. People who sail just don't refer to the "bow deck" of a boat or ship, it's the foredeck - even on a junk, and what in blazes are "outhauls" on a sailboat? Grammar? Page 4 "weighted heavily on Horinouchi"? Should be "weighed". probably the WORST nautical error that even the most rank beginner in seamanship wouldn't make is the use of "knots per hour" - Page 10. A knot is a "nautical mile per hour"! Same page he talks about the "center bow". Do submarines have bows in other places than the center? It just goes on and on. A beauty on page 98, the "helm's wheel" It's just the "wheel" for god's sake. It goes on throughout the book, destroying the smooth flow of the story and the development of the plot. Only my faith in Cussler kept me going. I don't think he even READ the book never mind wrote it! I can't believe he wouldn't pick up on the landlubberly language throughout. And where were the editors? Surely one of them has sailed a boat. I wish there were some way to discuss this with Clive himself, but I don't know how to get to him. I guess like most successful writers he has hired a bunch of University students as researchers who write bits here and there and supposedly he ties it all together into a cohesive whole. Unfortunately, no checking their work and no cohesion. Maybe his son Dirk had a hand in it, I don't know, but if he did he's never left Arizona and seen a boat. So, if you're out there and read any of this stuff Clive, email me and let's talk about having an editor/writer on board for the next one who knows something about the sea and sailing! Yes, me. I'm both a writer and a sailor - as well as a pilot and an engineer (sort of). By the wy, spell checks only check spelling, not usage! Page 72, "docking shores". Docking chores I think. How about "walls and ceilings" on the ship, they are bulkheads and deckheads. Not to mention the "bulkhead wall". Talk about redundancy!
Enough already, I've had my rant. The only reason I wrote is because someone has to tighten up the writing if we are to continue to enjoy - or even buy - Clive's books. I guess he doesn't need the money, but it's his reputation that's taking a beating here.
So Clive, thanks for many years of pleasure reading your Dirk Pitt adventures. I always thought I'd like to be part of NUMA myself, but had to do it vicariously.
Best wishes, Mike
Mike, I'd be interested to hear your comments on the second Dirk Cussler book, "Treasure of Khan". My bet is it'll be more favorable than the above criticism of Black Wind.
Welcome to the forum! beer:
Thanks Dirk, I'll try it shortly and let you know, Mike
Interesting, thats not the first bad thing I have heard about this particular book, although I have not yet read it. I will read it eventually, but its down on the list now.
Scott