KNYSNA NEWS - In the spirit of Halloween, local author Martin Hatchuel has donated a number of copies of his recently published children's novel, It's a Pity I didn't Bring any Swords, to Knysna's NSRI Station 12.
"It's a story about a water-crazy kid, his dogs, and his friend the ghost, who sail out the Knysna Heads to look for the ghost's lost grandpa, who hasn't been seen for hundreds of years," said Hatchuel.
"And while it's obviously a tall tale, there's a lot of maritime lore in there, with information about schooners, square riggers, and modern yachts - so it seemed like a good idea to put the book to good use supporting the one voluntary organisation we all depend on for our safety in the water."
It's a Pity I didn't Bring any Swords includes references to at least four historic wrecks - ships that went down in or near The Heads in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries - and, of course, our heroes find themselves up against the Cape's most notorious ghost: Hendrick van der Decken, captain of the Flying Dutchman (because what would a ghoulishly lekker local adventure at sea be without him?).
"The harbourmaster and Heads pilot, John Benn, makes at least two appearances, as well - first as himself, and later as a ghost - and thank goodness for him, too, since it's his kind of dedication and bravery we see in the volunteers who make up the NSRI today," said Hatchuel.
The book retails for R180 (it's available now in a number of shops in Knysna, Plett and Sedgefield, and, thanks to a newly signed agreement with a national distributor, should be in independent bookshops and larger book chains before the end of the year) - but Hatchuel hopes that the NSRI's copies will sell "for whatever readers think they're worth, since 100% of the proceeds will go to Station 12."
NSRI Station 12 commander Jerome Simonis said the donated books will be available for sale at East Head Cafe while stocks last. "Make no mistake, this is no trick - it's a real treat," he said.
Martin Hatchuel with NSRI Station 12 commander Jerome Simonis.
Photo: Dr Berend Maarsingh
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