A Pearl in the Storm, how I lost my heart in the middle of the ocean
Book Review: “A Pearl In the Storm, How I Lost My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean,” By Tori Murden-McClure
Reviewed by: Renee Weinberger
Rating: Excellent, a must read
A Pearl in the Storm details one woman’s journey across the Atlantic in a row boat. This is not a book about the weather or the nitty gritty about rowing across the Atlantic. Rather, this is a book about how Tori Murden-McClure sets out seeking enlightenment but finds something more important. She comes to terms with her own helplessness in a world that isn’t controllable. It is also a view into a solitary, hermetic existence and the rewards and ramifications of such a state of being. Her first failure to land on the other side of the ocean brings forth an intense realization of her paradoxical success even though her goal was not achieved.
The author is a very complex individual, not only is she a highly trained athlete, but she is also has a degree in divinity and is an attorney. This cross-disciplinary career allows her to paint such a rich tale. She delves into deep and dark territories such as her relationships with disadvantaged people, but also death, faith, and desperation.
I found the book very eye opening, not so much about how one goes about achieving notable mile-stones, but rather about how one deals with one’s flaws and personal demons. Even though the book can be very dark and disturbing, particularly in discussions about the horrific abuse her mentally retarded brother faces, the book has a good pace, and is offset by good-natured humor and entertaining historical anecdotes. The book is structured in a generalized chronology, though it is infused with a great deal of reminiscences and flash backs.
This is probably one of the greatest modern adventure books out there. If you’re looking for a pure adventure tale romaticising nature and man’s struggle to survive it, this isn’t it. This is a deep personal experience about so much more than travel or adventure, but about faith, love, death, and purpose.
