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Black Wave: A Family’s Adventure at Sea and the Disaster That Saved Them Audiobook
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(3.04) - 368 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
When John and Jean Silverwood, both experienced sailors, decided to give their four children a taste of life on the high seas, they hoped the trip would offer important learning experiences, not only about the natural world but about the beauty of human life stripped down to its essence, far from civilization. But the adventure that awaited them would surpass anything they could have imagined. Aboard their fifty-five-foot catamaran, the Silverwood family found its bonds tested as never before as they struggled with family and marriage dynamics in compressed quarters alongside the terrifying forces of nature. In the crucible of the sea, a stronger, tighter unit was forged. Then, just when it seemed that they had mastered every challenge, their world was shattered in a split second of sheer horror. Now the real test began, forcing them to fight for their very lives.
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"Though "The Black Wave" is the story of a family's shipwreck on a coral reef, it is just as much an inner story - musings about living a full life, about what we can bear to lose, about the complexities of relationships. It is an account of finding perspective in adversity and gaining strength in tribulation. At the same time, it is full of tension, and keeps the pages turning quickly. I read it in several sessions on my elliptical, and hardly noticed I was working out!"
— Tanya (4 out of 5 stars)
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“The jaw-dropping true tale of the Silverwood family and their awe-inspiring survival when faced with the most harrowing of events on the high seas is a truly remarkable account. Carrington Macduffie and Joe Barrett bring this story to life, capturing the tense journey down to the slightest detail in these realistic readings…both performances are earnest and raw, allowing the listeners to ebb and flow with the story as if they were tucked away on the Silverwood’s fifty-foot catamaran.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Carrington MacDuffie expresses Jean’s excitement at global scenic spots, her pride in son Ben’s growing maturity, and her disappointment at her husband’s slips from sobriety. Joe Barrett, as John, picks up the story with the aftermath of the crash…Both narrators deliver foreign accents well, and their dual reading makes this loosely organized adventure tale special.”
— AudioFile -
“MacDuffie narrates Jean’s story, the loving wife, frustrated spouse, kind and often bemused mother, and always a strong woman trying to protect and love her family even in the most desperate straits. Barrett’s gruff voice is perfect for the rugged, handsome John who can burst into pirate lingo at one moment and describe his near death experience and his acknowledgement of dependence on his family at another. Together their narration creates a story that everyone in the family can relate to.”
— SoundCommentary.com -
“Wisely, [the Silverwoods] focus not only on the natural wonders experienced on their marathon journey, but on the small everyday matters: meal preparations, the kids’ home schooling at sea, mechanical problems with the boat. These close-up, authentic details enrich a story that works on many levels—as intimate family portrait, colorful travelogue, and high-seas drama.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Black Wave Listener Reviews
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" A family of 6 is shipwrecked after traveling around the world for a couple of years. Told in flashbacks by both the wife and husband. Starts strong, right in the middle of the disaster, but interrupts the tension to explain what a happy dysfunctional family they were, which became frustrating after about the 4th flashback: get on with it already! "
— Vivy, 2/13/2014 -
" Enjoyed this book about a family's 2 year trip on their catamaran, sailing the Carribean and the South Pacific. Would have liked more discussion about the various islands they visited and the day in, day out aspect of being at sea for so long. Also the wife's section of writing sort of ended abruptly: "we were rescued, we returned to our life in CA, we're doing fine." I wanted to know more about the husband's surgeries and recovery. Not quite as interested in the husband's telling of a previous shipwreck on the same coral reef. But a very quick read, finished it in 3 days. "
— Michelle, 2/8/2014 -
" Not my kind of book. True story but I couldn't relate to the love for sailing, the family arguments (alcoholic dad), and why the book mattered. It was almost as if writing this book was helpful for the authors, but not for anyone else? oh, well. "
— Kathy, 2/5/2014 -
" wow this was some book - I liked the two person perspective - In an interesting way this was like glass castle - you feel sorry for those poor kids but you see the adults perspective and the whole sea adventure pulls you in. this would be a great discussion book. "
— Vickie, 1/12/2014 -
" So far I am really enjoying this book. It is based on a true adventure of a family of 5 and the good and bad things that happened to them during this time. Will add more when I finish. But I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys adventure and true stories. "
— Janet, 12/21/2013 -
" This was a fun book about a family who got shipwrecked in the South Pacific. It's a neat story about coming together. I liked it because I could relate a little bit with the sea adventures they had while going through the Caribbean. "
— Staci, 12/18/2013 -
" Great book about tragedy at sea. "
— Lisa, 12/9/2013 -
" Interesting story about a family that gets shipwrecked....a bit on the corny side, then the later part of the book was about another shipwreck in the same area a long time ago....skipped that part. "
— Laura, 12/4/2013 -
" True story of the Silverwood family sailing their catamaran from Long Is. to an unseen choral reef in the S. Pacific and their rescue. The guts & foritude of the family is amazing. Well written by bouth Jean and John from their separate view points. "
— Vicki, 12/4/2013 -
" If you've ever wondered what it would be like to just pack up your boat and leave ( and just how bad it can get ), read this book. "
— Cynthia, 11/28/2013 -
" Fascinating account of one family's adventures at sea. "
— Linda, 11/22/2013 -
" This true-life story of a family's dramatic shipwreck is hard to put down. "
— Linnea, 11/16/2013 -
" Great Book. I love books based on true stories. I would love to be abile to sail around the world. "
— Kelly, 7/30/2013 -
" Not one of the most well-written books I've read but the subject matter to me was so interesting that I could overlook the writing. If you read it though, don't turn to the back cover and see the picture there (unless you can't wait to see how it ends!) "
— Gdill, 6/21/2013 -
" Read the pre-published edition for review purposes. "
— Lisa, 12/7/2012 -
" LOVED IT! I rarely want to buy books to keep, but this is one I do. Lots of adventure, I love to travel, I could identify with the mom's personality, and also a book about family. Finished it in 2 days (but stayed up too late at night:) "
— Sky, 12/31/2011 -
" Gripping story. Her story was better than his, but I enjoyed the whole book. "
— Bonnie, 12/31/2010 -
" shallows are the danger in lives, coral reef near Tahiti with mile deep, nature boy restless girl, beauty of world, respect helps mature give and receive, shark teeth, value of scouts, the bounty and Julia Ann, education is experience, sail by ash breeze. "
— Don, 5/5/2010 -
" This book is about a family that takes off and sails around the world for two years. It is interesting if not well-written, especially if you have wanderlust. "
— Heather, 11/7/2009 -
" I liked it fine.... It was an interesting story and honestly told, but felt a little superficial at times. "
— Linda, 6/10/2009 -
" This was a great read. I enjoyed it because it described the ships in detail and the place they shipwrecked at had a shipwreck hundreds of years earlier and the authors described what happend in detail which was very interesting! "
— Susan, 6/9/2009
About the Authors
John Silverwood lives in California with his wife, Jean, and their four children.
Carrington MacDuffie is a voice actor and recording artist who has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has been a frequent finalist for the Audie Award, including for her original audiobook, Many Things Invisible. Alongside her narration work, she has released a new album of original songs, Only an Angel.
About the Narrators
Carrington MacDuffie is a voice actor and recording artist who has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has been a frequent finalist for the Audie Award, including for her original audiobook, Many Things Invisible. Alongside her narration work, she has released a new album of original songs, Only an Angel.
Joe Barrett, an actor and Audie Award and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has appeared both on and off Broadway as well as in hundreds of radio and television commercials.