My latest book appeared on Amazon on Sunday. The title comes from advice given when I went to sea: brother-in-law, an engineer with Elder Dempster, cautioned me to never be cynical – ‘You’ll see wonders’, he said. ‘You’ll See Wonders’ is the sequel to my first memoir, ‘The Best of Days’. It has been a pleasurable two years in the writing, and I’ve enjoyed trying to write with the spirit and atmosphere of the time. It is not autobiography, but memoir – which allows for scenes and character to be built where memory gives only snatches and fragments of conversation and visual recall of sixty years ago. I’m now cogitating around a possible book 3, whilst Pieris rapae is out there, in the sunshine, laying her little lime-green eggs on my cabbages. The cover of “You’ll See Wonders” is from one of the last paintings by my old friend and venerable man of the sea, Bill Wedgwood of Robin Hood’s Bay – he did it for the book. Though he did not see it finished, I passed him chapters as they emerged.
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1513 fusion 
Thank you, Neil – and good to hear from you again. I’ve just completed two chapters on Calcutta, our terminus, and am now considering the homeward bound passage. After this voyage I will be back aboard elderly ships.
Dear Harry. I am so delighted to read your response to Andrews lovely comment of well deserved praise. Very excited to hear that Book 3 of your compelling sea memoirs is now around 60% complete and even more pleased that there will be a possible Book 4! I shall wait patiently for the next instalment. Kindest regards Neil
Harry, I cannot ever remember enjoying two books more than your Merchant Navy experiences. I only spent two years in the engine room of a motor ship, the Jamaica Producer, a regular run between London, then Sheerness IN THE 1960’s. She carried general cargo and passengers to Jamaica and banana to the UK. It was a happy time, but nowhere near as interesting as your time at sea. I only remained long enough to obtain part A of a Second Engineer’s ticket and regret leaving so early. Resigned, flew back to Jamaica and spent 44 years in engineering and airport occupations there before returning to Scotland in 2008.Your experiences brought tears, laughter and many chuckles as the ‘Kindle pages’ were eagerly turned. Thank you for your inspiring accounts, loved every second of them.
Thank you, Andrew. I’m delighted! Your response has encouraged me to press on with the third book of seagoing memoir – it is 60% written. The sea stories might even extend to a fourth memoir – we will see.
The years are telling on me, but I do enjoy writing and hope to return to my historical novel series which opens with ‘Tom Fleck’, my first and favourite book.
Dear Harry, Thanks for taking the time to reply and I am so thrilled that there will be another volume to your story. It’s been such a tough year for us all but your writing has certainly transported me to a tropical ocean or two over the last weeks. My wife will be pleased that I have finished as I felt it necessary to read her various extracts whilst reading my Kindle in bed. To be fair she enjoyed them very much and says that she will now read You’ll See Wonders. Incidentally what a great title for this memoir gifted by your relative!
All best wishes
Neil
PS Amazon review just typed!
Thank you for taking the time to record a review, Neil – you are the first to post comments on Amazon for book 2.
I have just had the great pleasure of reading ”You’ll See Wonders” and although I will post a separate comment on Amazon I particularly wanted to send a message to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your beautifully written memoir.
It was so good that I didn’t want to finish it! So I very much hope that you will embark on the third volume of your life and times at sea. That would be something to look forward to!
Hello, Neil. Thank you for your response. For an isolated writer, in lockdown, it is truly heartening to have your comments on the memoir. After a pause to take stock and reflect, I have indeed started the final book. Only one chapter so far, but having begun it is surprising how motivation returns. Your post today is a welcome spur.
Best wishes
Harry Nicholson