An equal mixture of suspense and hope, hardship and blessing, Captain, My Captain recounts the story of true life heroine Mary Patten as she and her sea captain husband, Joshua, battle storm and tempest, not only on the high seas, but also in their interpersonal relationship. Young Mary was a rather pampered, sheltered young lady until she married Joshua Patten, a new Christian. She was then forced to endure and enjoy life on Joshua’s clipper ship which he called “home”.
As time went on, however, Mary grew both mentally and emotionally. She learned to love her home on the water. She also grew to truly love the man whom she called her husband and, most importantly, to love her husband’s God. Joshua sought to teach his wife of the future hope they would have in Christ despite their troubles on earth. However, Mary refused to listen to his wisdom until it was nearly too late.
As hardships and trials often cause a person to count one’s blessings, so the rigors of sea life showed Mary what truly matters in life. When her husband became ill, Mary had no other option than to be captain in his place. Mary soon realized things were out of her hands. They were under the control and the direct supervision of her perfect Higher Captain.

A 17th century true account of a young teenage girl, who was all of 16 years old when she married the captain of a merchant sailing ship. Fresh from the refined home of a New England family, Mary Ann Patten learned a great deal while at sea with her husband. Thirsty for knowledge and bored with cabin life, she determinedly learns the ins and outs of running a ship, including how to read a sextant. In due time, she also learned how to read the book her husband was constantly reading - the Bible - and it became of more use to her than any navigational tool available.
Well written in first person singular, Captain, My Captain is a good reminder that life is fleeting and that only the final port we harbour is important.

Source: The Christian Renewal

This is an historical fiction on the life of Mary Anne Patten. This courageous young woman lived during the California gold rush and the New England shipping boom. She was the youngest of Elizabeth and George's five children. Although she grew up in a Christian home, she formed a will of her own and much of her character was quite contrary to that which a Christian lady's character ought to be. Drawn to her exciting fantasies of marriage life she married at the age of fifteen to an older gentleman, Joshua Patten, whom she did not know very well. Being devoted to the women's rights movement, Mary was determined to spend much of her time contributing to that cause. However, ail these ambitions were dashed to pieces when she was called to join her husband, the captain of the clipper ship Neptune’s Car, at sea. Adjusting to married life, let alone to the harshness of life aboard ship, would be a long voyage in itself for Mary - a voyage she learned she could not survive without the help of God.
This romantic novel is so filled with excitement and drama, it is difficult to put it down once one has begun it. Its pages reflect the struggle between choosing Satan's ways or God's ways. Mary's struggles with materialism, being a submissive wife, coping with the criticism of others, learning how to deal with sickness and death of loved ones, trusting in God and overcoming the fear of death forces the reader to reflect on his own struggles in life.
This story of Mary Ann Patten (remembered for being the first woman to take full command of a merchant sailing ship) is one that any teen or adult reader will enjoy. It will perhaps cause you to shed a few tears but it is bound to touch your heart and encourage you in your faith.

Mrs. Willy-Jane VanDyken is a member of the Immanuel Orthodox Christian Reformed Church in Nobleton, Ontario

We recommend all of the publications of Inheritance Publications

Captain, My Captain, Deborah Meroff
Rating = A

The true story of Mary Ann Patten, who became the first woman to take full command of a merchant sailing ship after her husband, the captain, died. A touching story of a woman’s faith and courage.

Source: CLW Book Reviews, December 2000-February 2001