OK so I enjoyed the departure from the typical male fantasy. The fact that the protagonist starts as a cook gave me some hope that the story could explore some new ground and perspective. It does that but not in a very clever or fulfilling way. The story is filled with detailed descriptions of being a cook on a ship, trades at port, etc. I kept thinking that the author was probably a merchant marine and did not read a lot while underway. After he retired, he probably started working at a fleemarket or co-op. I mean I actually listened to both books… so it wasnt terrible; I was just dissapointed. It felt like the author was writing for himself without any thought being given to things like the story arc, engaging the reader, excitement, or meaning. Maybe his meaning was that there is value in a humble life?