Linda Greenlaw, All Fishermen are Liars

In her latest book, author and fisherman Linda Greenlaw introduces readers to the salty denizens of the Dry Dock Bar in Portland, Maine. Greenlaw's lunch date there with her mentor and friend of 25 years, Alden Leeman, provides the framework for the series of stories she shares with readers—the very stories, or so the author alleges (though the book's title may give one pause)—that she and Alden and hangers-on at their table swapped that day at the Dry Dock over a very extended luncheon.

 The stories Greenlaw includes in the book are a mixed bunch—rough seas and unlikely survivals, noisome deck hands and shiv-wielding mates, a refrigerated dead guy. Many are stirring; the rest are at least good reads. Greenlaw writes nicely, and her characterization of her friend Alden—for whom her affection is palpable—is well done:

"I ordered a glass of Chardonnay and waited for Alden to think about what he might like to drink. I knew that he would eventually order a rum and Coke, but he did not know this. He never did."

It is not necessary to know anything whatever about fishing or sailing to enjoy All Fishermen are Liars. Nautical types will surely want to view their world through Greenlaw's lens, but landlubbers like myself will appreciate the author's readable introduction to an unfamiliar world. She and her gang of mendacious fishing buddies make for good company for the book's duration.