“Captain’s Surrender” by Alex Beecroft

There are some books that as a writer you stumble across and just hate. This is one of those books. As a writer, you hate such a novel because it makes you feel inadequate, a charlatan. This is misdirection, of course. I know I can write. Reader response tells me that. That’s not to say I’m delusional in either my ability or my inability. I am simply aware that there are many writers out there better than I can ever hope to be. Equally, I’m very aware there are far worse. I also know that a writer never stops learning and can constantly improve.

Books such as “Captain’s Surrender” by Alex Beecroft is a read I love to hate. I hate that it exceeded my expectations and yet I love that I wish I had written this book. It inspires me; it makes me want to aspire and produce quality. The reader in me loves that this book became a part of my life, and will remain on my bookshelf, a keeper. I’m not parting with this one. Nope. Never.

Captain’s Surrender is the work of a talented writer, succeeding on multiple levels. As an avid reader, I plough through many books in all types of genres. I have works that are a light, entertaining read, to doorstop epics, and enjoy them all on many different levels. However, “Captain’s Surrender” is what the art of true storytelling is all about.

The story of Josh Andrews and Peter Kenyon takes place at a time in British history where the “crime” of homosexuality meant hanging. The infallible human heart would love to believe that love truly does conquer all, but when the threat of death literally hangs over your head in the form of a noose, what are two people in love to do? When two people love each other is there really such a thing as choice?

The book opens on a grotesque moment and from there your heart is in your mouth until and, possibly, long after you’ve turned the last page. That initial spark of love, of something beautiful between Josh and Peter amidst such horror is only one of the underlying themes of the book. As a writer, I’ve only touched on some of these themes and, strangely, in stories of a completely different nature and genre. I want to write a romance such as this, less explicit but just as emotionally gripping.

Whatever your sex or sexuality, this is a great read. My only criticisms, if you can call them that, is the cover doesn’t do the book justice and being that this is a British book by a British writer, with a British setting, I should like to have seen British spellings. However, the tone hits the period delightfully, and the dialogue is superbly composed.

This read is heart-warming, thought-provoking, and immensely enjoyable. Everyone should read this book once in their lives. Not only am I glad this made it to my to-be-read pile, I’m pleased to say it is on my list as a definite re-read. I wish Alex the best for a successful career as a writer, and I will seek out all future work by this author, no matter what the genre. I’ve yet to read Alex’s “The Witch’s Boy” but I will be in the not too distance future. Do yourself a favour and surrender to a great read.