Under a Yellow Sky

'Simon Hall's new book, however, stands out from the crowd - being not only very well writtten, but also thoughtful and reflective. ... His fine writting style draws the reader in and captures the magic and chaos of foreign ports, the fear and exhilaration of working in a bosun's chair 80ft above a rolling deck, the Dickensian work of tank cleaning onboard an ageing tanker, and the deep camaraderie... ...vivid memories of his cadetship demonstrate clearly that deep and lasting personal impact of his sea training... His finely observed and well written book...' Nautilus Telegraph 'I always enjoy books about the golden era of the British Merchant Navy, and this is no exception. I would highly recommend it to our readers'. Shipping Today and Yesterday '...a colourful memior... As he tramped around the backwaters of the world he discovered the magic of the sea and encountered people from across the whole spectrum of human behaviour.' Julian Stockwin '...paints a vivid picture of the life of a cadet in the early 1970's from the time the author joins a rusty old tanker in Hamburg to the end of his apprenticeship. He doesn't shrink talking about the tough reality of life at sea. ...there is humour and what ultimately shrines through is the author's understanding of and his respect and love for the seafarer's way of life. ...a fascinating and often incisive commentary of men working together in tough demanding circumstances. Highly recommended'. Sea Breezes