Synopsis -


Adventure, romance, racism and loyalty are set against a backdrop of life aboard a U.S. naval vessel during the early 60s in Rick Ainsworth's exciting novel "Thunder and Storm: The Haverfield Incident." The narrative revolves around the lives of new recruits as they embark on a journey that will be a life changing experience. It is also a coming-of-age story of the protagonist who grows from a defiant young man to a mellower and more mature person.


R.J. Davis is a brash but enthusiastic young sailor, with a determination to excel in life. When he gets into a spot of trouble in San Diego, R.J. is transferred by his higher authorities to the island of Guam and assigned to work aboard the old and worn out ship USS Haverfield DER-393, patrolling islands in the U.S. Trust Territory. The ship's new skipper, Lieutenant Commander Paul Oliver, is a friendly and ambitious officer who zealously plans to renovate the ship and transform it into a top-notch Navy vessel as well as aims to train the sloppy and lazy crew into an "outstanding deck force." Despite being demanding and issuing instructions for an exacting training schedule, he is loved and respected by R.J. and the other crew members.


On the other hand, Chief Machinist Mate Twitchell is a totally different kettle of fish. A bully and an open racist, he is despised by the crew and tolerated by the higher-ups because of his engineering expertise. Twitchell is a thorn in the flesh of R.J. and the Sample brothers, Rafer and Andy, two young African Americans from Alabama. He constantly harasses them or provokes them at every opportunity, and takes great pleasure in having R.J. and Rafer sentenced to brief spells at the brig for insubordination.


While coping with the rigors of hard work and authority, enduring harassment and racism, living through the fateful day of President Kennedy's assassination, battling with the elements, participating in welcome ceremonies and the equator crossing initiation, learning the history of the U.S. Navy, and trying to keep their esprit de corps high, the shipmates forge meaningful friendships and lasting bonds. R.J. shares a sense of camaraderie with one and all. He is especially a source of great comfort to Rafer and Andy whose feelings and crusade for equal rights he can well understand.


During this period, R.J. meets Annie and is instantly attracted to her. However, he finds himself caught in a conflict because she is married, albeit unhappily, to another sailor. Paul Oliver is also drawn into a clandestine affair with Lorelei, the wife of Admiral Prescott. He is so obsessed with her that he fails to notice the storm brewing aboard his ship until the eleventh hour.


The growing hostility and tensions between Twitchell and his racist group and the African American sailors leads to a "dramatic and unprecedented incident" on the very night that the Haverfield must combat a surprise attack by North Vietnamese PT boats. The horrific event, which later comes to be known as the Haverfield Incident, lingers on forever in the memories of R.J. and the Sample brothers, leaving them scarred for life. When almost forty years later R.J. is approached by Rafer's son to know about the events of the day on the ship, R.J. is able to exorcize his and his friends' demons of the past.


"Thunder and Storm: The Haverfield Incident" is a compelling page-turner that combines deftly portrayed characters, a gripping plot and meticulously researched historical details. Apart from being clear and crisp, the narrative also captures the exciting atmosphere aboard a naval ship. By interweaving Edgar Allan Poe's poems into the thought process of R.J., Rick Ainsworth adds an interesting touch to the narrative. This riveting book will appeal to fans of naval forces as well as a wider audience.



BookWire Review

October 4, 2005