Kubeck, James The Calendar Epic: A Novel of the Merchant Marine

Set during World War 2 on the West Coast and in the South Pacific and New Guinea. A rather tepid account of the C-2 freighter CALENDAR EPIC's first -- and last -- voyage. Kubeck presents a cross section of her large crew, but his writing never really brings them to life. Of interest is his depiction of the still-simmering labor animosities of the 1930s, temporarily ignored -- but not forgotten -- among wartime merchant mariners. In one amusing homage to well-respected, early 20th century nautical author Felix Riesenberg (whose own entries follow), Kubeck has the CALENDAR EPIC's Chief Mate cite Riesenberg's non-fiction maritime writing to a bed-bound young seaman with time on his hands due to an injury. "How about your reading Riesenberg and Bowditch?" [Chief Mate] Ramsdell said. "They might do you some good." [p. 198]. Alas, I'm not convinced that a contemporary First Mate would recommend a similar dose of all-too-earnest Mr. Kubeck.