Harpoon at a Venture

by Gavin Maxwell

Book Overview

A shark fishery based on the tiny Hebridean island of Soay was the beginning of Gavin Maxwell's enduring love affair with the west coast of Scotland. This, his first book, tells the whole story - the challenge and drama of the shark hunt, the development of catching techniques and equipment, the men who worked with him and some of the frustrations of starting a new enterprise in post-war Scotland. Every chapter is packed with action and anecdote...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1780271808
• ISBN13: 9781780271804
• Release Date: November 2013
• Publisher: Birlinn
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.1" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

She feels it!

This book is rough going. Maxwell is a talented writer, but the story tends to drag periodically throughout the work. However, this IS the story of a failed business enterprise, so one cannot expect an inspiring tale. It is filled with frustration, dashed hopes, and melancholy. Despite this grim description, I do believe that this is worth your time if you are interested in the basking shark, or simply a story set a maritime setting. I have wanted to visit the Scottish Isles since reading this book. And Maxwell's descriptions of his companions make up for the generally somber tone. This was a pleasure to read. P.S. the title of this critique comes from the book.

Moving story of fishing in the 1940's off the Scottish coast

Gavin Maxwell writes movingly of his attempt to start a shark-fishing business off the coast of Scotland in the post-war 1940's. He mixes great descriptions of people and place with the honest account of a failed business enterprise. Maxwell is excellent at making a good story from his life experiences. An interesting read even if you don't like shark-fishing!