A tragic story of a lost fishing boat and her crew in Montauk in 1984, and the devastation that still affects those left behind. The author details the lives of the 4 fishermen, and the ill fated boat, and it's flaws. The story ebbs and flows through the town of Montauk, both the wealthy summer people and the year round residents who struggle to make a living. The author highlights the extreme danger of fishermen trying to make a living, and risking everything. One freakish storm can destroy so much. The book also delves into the various histories of the families involved, both before and after the loss of the boat. It is an interesting book, full of knowledge about commercial fishing, with a glimpse into the various family dramas that can lay behind it. I enjoyed the book and knowledge of an industry of which I knew very little. I did receive a complimentary copy of the book through Netgalley and I am glad I did.

A stunning story of some young men in the fishing trade who lost their lives in a huge storm. It is a heartfelt story also of those left behind.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fascinating, tragic, awesome. Beautifully written. A real writer's challenge, too, because we already know what happens in the end. But this writer is skilled, bringing forth family histories interwoven with the progression of the tragedy. Just have lots of respect for this book. I think it should be a bestseller.

This was a gripping story into the history of Montauk from the 1600’s to the elite beach society it is now. How a quiet fishing village turned into the summer place of those of wealth and how this little community gravitated back to each other in those quiet winter months when the elite returned home. It was an eduction into the day by day and dollar by dollar lives of these fishing families. This influx of the rich resulted in a hierarchy division from May till September. Fishing was an expensive livelihood and many of the rest of their families did their parts as maids, sitters, lifeguards for this privileged crowd during the summer months to make ends meet.
Their love for the water and the thrill of the catch that was so well described in the story was matched only by their passion for love and family. They worked hard and played harder.
The narratives of the fishermen caught in bizarre storms are harrowing and yet it never stopped them from returning to what they loved, the sea. The advancement of onboard storm warning systems changed the fishing industry but it was costly purchase for men who ran a fine budget line and had to choose their priorities in spite of the dangers they faced. Through his descriptions within the story the author brings an awareness to the reader as to what we have lost due to the overfishing of areas of the ocean and the various fishing techniques that have changed over the years.
They were a such close knit colony of fishermen and businessmen that when the worst possibly tragedy could happen, they all united in their search and in their sorrow. A common thread throughout the tragedy was the hope the families had of finding the crew. Searches went on long after they should have. Optimists had them stranded on an island or floating for days awaiting a rescue. It was hard for them to put these men/boys to rest…..some never did.
This was an excellent narrative about 4 men and how their lives intertwined. Their deaths will forever remain part of the history of the community.

March 1984-
Windblown, commercial fishing boat left Montauk Harbor's safety and begun a voyage that ends in tragedy for the men, their families, and the town. A tragedy that lives on to this day.

Love the flashback to...
Fall 1983 - Tylenol introduces tamper-resistant packaging, there are no helmets while riding bikes or rollerskating, children sit in cars while mother runs errands, children roam free especially with their older siblings.
What a memory.

I enjoyed learning of this town and this tragedy.
The order was confusing at times, skipped around too much.
Parts of this story should be made into a movie.

This book was super good. The premise was so different than anything I've read in the past. I couldn't stop reading!

This book explores the true story of the 1984 sinking of the Montauk fishing vessel Wind Blown and it's four lost fishermen. Fairbanks interviews family members and townspeople to give a full picture of the tragedy. As Fairbanks states, commercial fishing is the most dangerous occupation on earth. One wonders why anyone would choose to take on this job knowing the risks, and this book makes these motivations clear. Very insightful!

This was a great book that kept me reading until the end. No small feat. I will be looking for additional books by this author.