"Squall by squall, the huge waves hit the ship. The gale-strength wind blew against currents, and because of it, the waves became higher and more ferocious."
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Over the Equator by Yuri Vasiliev Trafford Publishing
book review by John E. Roper
Ever since the days of Marco Polo, the tales of those who have traveled into the far reaches of the world have captivated audiences, especially those who have spent the majority of their lives tied to a specific locale. Yet even the finest narratives of months and years spent in strange lands or on foreign seas can sometimes seem incomplete as the writer, through necessity or simple oversight, neglects to chronicle every event or period of time to the reader's satisfaction. In the case of the Russian traveler Philip Efremov, his entire voyage from Calcutta, down along the coasts of Africa, and back up to Dublin are given scant attention in his journal about his nine years of wandering. Using this hidden area of Efremov's journey as a backdrop, the author has penned an exciting and imaginative story of some of the sights and sounds that the traveler could have experienced along the way.
Vasiliev's motivation for finishing Efremov's narrative is not merely for the sake of entertainment, although his understanding of pacing and plot development does make for an enjoyable read. Rather, his chief desire is to help his readers discover the rich history and cultures of Eastern and Southern Africa, regions he is intimately familiar with after having lived on the continent for nearly 30 years. Like all good writers of historical fiction, though, Vasiliev doesn't let his teaching interfere with his storyline. While the book could have used some closer editing, the author's tale of hardship, bondage, unrequited love, and high adventure is a welcome addition to the literature of Africa.