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2000s: Based on Catherine Poulain’s own experiences of adventure
2000s: Based on Catherine Poulain’s own experiences of adventure
Lili is a runaway. She’s left behind her native France to go in search of freedom, of adventure, of life. Her search takes her to Kodiak, Alaska, home to a ragtag community of fishermen, army vets and drifters who man the island’s fishing fleet. Despite her tiny frame, faltering English and lack of experience, Lili lands a job on board the Rebel, the only woman on the boat.
Out on the open sea, everything is heightened: colours are more vivid, sounds are louder and the work is harder than anything she’s ever known. The terrifying intensity of the ocean is addictive to the point of danger. But Lili is not alone: in her fellow crewmembers she finds kindred spirits – men living on the edge, drawn to extremes.
The journey is a long one. From New York via Las Vegas, via a visit to a boat with a fisherman friend in Seattle. She then reaches Anchorage where she takes a plane to Kodiak
“You should always be heading to Alaska. But getting there – what’s the point? I’ve packed my bag, it’s dark, then the day comes when I leave Manosque – les- Plateaux, Manosque les Sorrow.”
I’m off to the ends of the earth, the limitless oceans, to glassy calm and raging peril, I’m leaving.
The island appears between two scrolls of fog – Kodiak. Dark forests, mountains, and the dirty brown earth emerging from beneath melted snow.”
“Outside , the white sky, the grey hills, seagulls, everywhere , endlessly flying past, mewing.”
Destination: Alaska Author/guide:Catherine Poulain Departure Time: 2000s
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