Big Water

Question

by Andrea Curtis

Henry and Eva fold the sails and get out oars. We are bumping up against the stone-filled cribs of a large, wide dock within minutes.

I watch the men on the docks with their untamed beards and callused hands, their frayed wool pants and faded hats. They are young and old and move about like a kind of machine, few of them speaking but working together without need of words. Moving cargo, hauling wood, cleaning boats. Picking up, passing, carrying. I hear one call to another in French, someone respond in English. A thick-necked tabby cat sneaks down the dock, sniffing here and there. It rubs its long orange-and-white striped side along one burly man’s boot. The man reaches down and scratches the old cat behind its ear, and it leans in toward him.

These men pay us little attention until we are banging up against the high dock. Their faces flicker with confusion, then disbelief as Daniel calls out, “We were on the Asia. The boat is sunk. We are survivors! Help us.” He holds up the pillowcase with S.S. Asia stenciled along the hem.

Excerpt from Big Water by Andrea Curtis. Printed with permission by Orca Book Publishers

Answer 1

"Big Water" by Andrea Curtis immerses readers in a vivid scene at a bustling dock, highlighting the resilience and camaraderie of the people there. The description of the dockworkers, with their rough appearances and unspoken teamwork, paints a picture of a community bonded by hard work and shared experiences. The arrival of the survivors, Daniel and the crew, introduces a moment of tension as they seek assistance after the traumatic sinking of their ship, the Asia.

Curtis's use of sensory details, from the visual imagery of the dockworkers to the interaction with the cat, adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable and engaging. The moment captures not only the physical struggle of survival but also the emotional weight of their experience, as they reach out for help in their time of need.

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