Narrated by Edmund Talbot aboard the decrepit old warship which lurches towards Australia, this novel is a mixed tale of travel and personal discovery At sea, the hulk is charged with the care and protection of the lives of her colourful crew Edward Talbot's progression towards self realisation is as turbulent as the voyage of his ship as he engages with other people, especially incomprehensible women, so the ship must face the incomprehensible elements