Captain Solitude

Reviews

“A raucous and engaging tale. Chasing the ghost of a vanished mariner, riding waves, and downing beer, the indefatigable RC Shaw sets off on his quixotic journey aboard his trusty cargo bike, guided by little more than a Magic 8 Ball and pure gumption. Captain Solitude perfectly captures the seascapes, wry humour, and rhythms of life in Nova Scotia. Bravo!” — Will Ferguson, author of Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw

“Shaw’s adventure reads like his bike has a sidecar. He immerses you in his journey, yearning for the romance of all we lost as we gained the modern age. Captain Solitude champions our lineage with fried haddock and privateers, celebrating the hardy souls who made — and still make — Nova Scotia Bluenose country. Engrossing, lively, and seasoned with plenty of good salt.” — Kate Inglis, author of Notes for the Everlost

“Like tucking into a butter-soaked rappie pie, Captain Solitude fills you up with heart-warming dirtbag insight, salty chunks of local lore, and the Kerouacian curiosity of an open-minded road-warrior. A wild reverie of the ocean and those who ply it by hull, hand, or board, RC Shaw’s two-wheeled voyage into the unknown is a delightful travelogue in search of new waves, old ghosts, and at the end of the day, a hot meal.” — Tyler LeBlanc, author of Acadian Driftwood

“RC Shaw embarks on a saltwater adventure as impressive and extreme as they come. The author and renowned surfer weaves a profoundly moving travelogue that will entertain, impress, inspire, and uplift. Sailors, sea lovers, and Maritimers will devour this story as readily as anyone who enjoys a tale of overcoming the odds and rising up in the face of adversity. Funny, thought-provoking, entertaining, and magnetically written, Captain Solitude is an essential read. You will ride the waves with Shaw on each line of every page.” — James Mullinger, author of Brit Happens

“Who hasn’t wanted to travel by bicycle along gravel back roads, jumping into the ocean whenever the mood strikes? (Okay, maybe just RC Shaw and I.) Shaw survives his great Maritime journey with stops at farmers markets, gas stations, deserted beaches, and a surprising number of graveyards. Describing the South Shore and the people who live there, Captain Solitude makes a strong case for why all of us should push ourselves beyond our respective comfort zones and reminds us that true self-discovery is never found through a self-help book or a meditation app, but in the depths of the unknown and in the unending gifts we receive from the Earth and the kindness of its people.” — Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas)