The Seafarers

THE SEAFARERS, a novella written by Nevil Shute in the years 1946-47 and published now for the first time, dramatizes one of his most important themes: the life-giving joy of productive work. The story line is elegantly simple. As World War II winds down, Donald Wolfe (a senior naval lieutenant) and Jean Porter (a boat's crew Wren) meet when he brings his motor gunboat to Portland harbor to be dismantled and disarmed. They admire each other's dedication and cheerful competence; their first date is promising, and both hope for a romance. But when they meet again in peacetime, away from the sea, they seem to have much less in common. Without the work they love, their differences are magnified. Puzzled and disappointed, they part, regretfully--but not permanently.