First Voyage - Tapa blanda

“Wonderful read! This is the tale of a young merchant officer on his first ship on the eve of WWII. His adventures are compelling and enjoyable.” —Capt. Dennis Schroeder, Master Mariner

“Palmiotti (Marine Transportation/SUNY Maritime College; Navigator’s Notebook, 2014) applies his maritime expertise to a historical novel about a cargo ship’s world travels. ...Palmiotti has clearly done thorough research into the era’s historical details... The book also includes ample detail about the workings of the ship, which will be of interest to maritime enthusiasts. ...A detailed story that...builds into a suspenseful drama.” —Kirkus Reviews

“I felt as though I was aboard the old rusty Arrow freighter in 1938 as I read First Voyage. The book kept me involved and anxious to read from beginning to end. There was rarely a dull moment as the men on board the Arrow bonded and dealt with each new disaster, becoming more like family than crew and taking me right along on the journey. Anthony Palmiotti is a skilled author, putting just the right ingredients together to make First Voyage a most enjoyable read. I highly recommend this for all readers, young and old.” —Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

“There’s so much to admire about this grand, rousing beast of a novel. It’s a modern day maritime novel that will make most readers wish they had gone to sea, as well as being a poignant and powerful coming of age novel. The Holocaust and the worsening plight of Jews during Hitler’s regime is masterfully addressed. Add to that First Voyage’s rightful claim as a first-rate historical novel, and you’ve got one of the best books of the year as far as I can see. Palmiotti’s writing is translucent and lyrical at times, but always highly accessible and, like a siren’s call, quite irresistible. First Voyage is a most impressive debut novel, and it’s most highly recommended.” —Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

It’s 1938, America is still in a depression and jobs are hard to come by...

The Arrow is an old tramp freighter with a diverse crew. Patrick Welch is a young seaman making his first trip on the Arrow and must weather storms and ports of call trying to win the respect of the tough captain and the friendship of the rough and ready crew.

Then, when the Arrow arrives in Hamburg, the Nazi movement is making life difficult for those who don’t fit the mold of the new Germany. One of the crew wants to get his family out, but he has to rely on his crew mates. Will they rise to the challenge and bond together in order to outwit the pursuing Nazis?