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Authors: Lawrence Pane, Carole Wells Pane and Ryan Pane

Publisher: Raymond Hill Publishing Adventure

ISBN: 9-78-0-9765695

Chasing Sunsets is a novel about a voyage into the unknown on board a Masoon 53 sailing boat with husband and wife team Lawrence and Carole Pane along with Ryan, Lawrence’s son.

When I first opened this book, I was sceptical,  as I wasn’t sure, due to its sheer size, that it would hold my attention. After all, what do people do on a boat for so many years? However, I was clearly mistaken and as soon as I commenced my reading, it seduced me and I could hardly wait to learn more of this incredible voyage.

Lawrence tragically lost his first wife to cancer but was determined not to give up in finding a new soul mate and thus he placed an ad into the lonely- hearts column of a newspaper stating he was a male in late fifties with a son. He wasn’t sure how this message would be received. What woman would want to be with someone with baggage? That was where he was wrong. He met Carole and he slowly realized he had met his soul mate and someone who also embraced Ryan like he was her own son.

Lawrence, who in addition to his profound love for his young son Ryan also treasured his dream sailing boat, Dolphin Spirit. He had always wanted to sail the seas but because of the passing away of his first wife, he was unable to realize his dream. Now that he met Carole he decided to ask if she’d come and embark on a six and a half year round-the-world sailing expedition and Carole accepted.

So here is their story. What would they discover in Rome?

In spiritual Thailand the family experienced the pleasure of riding on the back of an elephant across the pastures of Phuket. They found Sri Lanka a pretty place but realized how well off they were when they saw how bad the conditions were in a tea factory. It made me think  how very different countries can be to one other, especially in our Western culture. They spent Christmas in Singapore, which they described as surreal - everything around was just bogus. Fake green pine trees and pretend snow. There were fascinating sights in Bangkok but too much air pollution made what could have been a very lovely trip, unpleasant. The Great Palace, though, was amazing and a sight not to be missed.

Perhaps, they’d find peace in the Middle East - a place where Ryan had the pleasure of meeting a camel. What fun! Incidentally, each of the visited countries is listed in the table of contents. And all three family members share their experiences from catching fish to watching the dolphins leap from the ocean waves. I have to admit that I was envious particularly that Ryan had such a great time catching lizards!

The only aspect of this reflective memoir that I didn’t enjoy was that in parts it became far too technical and difficult to understand. However, this does not detract from the fact that generally the writing is superb. I also have to confess that I am envious of Ryan who was successful in co-authoring a book at such a young age. He certainly added a great deal of fun and wit where needed.

If you love travel books you will enjoy Chasing Sunsets. I highly recommend it.