Ice Brothers

I am a Coast Guard veteran and this was recommended to me by a Coast Guard vet. I served 1970-1977 and at that time we did what were called Ocean Stations. Ocean Station Bravo was up in the North Atlantic Davis Straits, so this brought back many memories. I have read it several times because it is a wonderful powerful portrayal of life in that area as well as a study in character development. It is the type of book you wish would never end because you become tied into the characters. Each time I finish I have a different view on life and can't wait to read it again. A must read.

First the bottom line -- if you've somehow ended up here reading this review, don't blow it now -- find and read this great book! Of course Ice Brothers, written in 1979, is by now a difficult book to locate, but I assure you it is worth the effort. It is the story of how a young man of 22, drawn almost impetuously to the Coast Guard by the onset of war in December 1941, serves, first as executive officer, then as captain of the Arluk, a converted fishing trawler refitted to serve during World War 2 in the icy waters and coast of Greenland. Paul Schuman, the young hero, is shown at the beginning of the story as unsure in his life and marriage, and we watch him during the novel, while continuing to fight internal uncertainties, growing in confidence and competence. But the novel is much more than a story of personal growth -- it is a war novel, with battles and adventure I will not give away here; it is a true story of the sea, and the land (and native peoples) of Greenland; it is a story of memorable characters, including Paul's fellow officer Nathan Green, with his personal private suffering, and probably most of all, "Mad Mowrey," Captain of the Arluk, a character who deseves to be part of the fictional lexicon with the likes of Captain Queeg. There is even a love interest within the novel, as improbable as it may seem. It is a long novel, over 500 pages long, which gives the reader a chance to fully feel the place and time. And, true to the other best works of Sloan Wilson, Ice Brothers is an individual tale about facing enemies, from hostile weather and terrain, to enemy troops and at times even problems within the ship's own sailors, to fighting personal demons of loneliness and self-doubts. This is quite simply a terrific book -- as I started by saying, if you should happen upon this review and have the remotest interest in World War 2 or the sea -- and actually even if you don't -- then (trust me) go find this book. It will be well worth your while, and you will probably end up adding your own superlative review of this book. Come on, let's start a trend!

Excellent book for Coastguardsmen or for any Veteran for that matter. The realism keeps you reading on and on. I couldn't put it down.

I read this book years ago and again recently. It is supurb. If you don't read it you're missing out.

I rate this book highly in the context in which it is read. The library from which I draw is aboard a sailing vessel, one that I might be delivering from one location to another for an owner, who has employed me to have their vessel a place at a time. Book trading is common throughout this community and that is where I found Ice Brothers. It is risky to enter into this vast libray of reccomendations, however, this book, because I haven't seen it in 10 or more years and because it is so enlightening and entertaining, does quite yell to be located and expounded upon. For what it's worth, I hope you fing it and enjoy...and maybe afterward you'll send it to me for my shipboard library. thanks h.c.taylor