What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Rowdy will be launched on August 15th.
What’s the book’s first line?
How curious it is that sometimes the most innocuous-seeming event can have such a profound effect on one’s life. What at the time seems like the most inconsequential decision or action can carry the unintended consequence of redirecting the entirety of one’s life path to the polar opposite of what it would have been otherwise. Yet at the time, the moment sneaks by under the radar, obscured in the noise of daily activities. The words that you are reading right now would not exist, the events that have defined my life for the past thirteen years would never have taken place, and my twin daughters would never have been so much as a twinkle in my eye had it not been for one such event. A casual thought in the middle of a busy day prompted me to make a phone call that I never dreamed would have any bearing on the course of my life. I was wrong.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
When Christopher Madsen made the snap decision—perhaps a rash decision—to buy and renovate the 1916 yacht for which this story is named, he could scarcely have imagined the consequences that were to follow. Unexpectedly, during the course of the renovation, a window into Rowdy’s past was opened, metaphorically whisking Christopher back in time. Seduced by tantalizing clues and glimpses into the personal life of the original owner, he was steadily drawn deeper into the investigation. In 2002, ninety-three-year-old Hanny, Holland Duell’s only surviving child, came aboard her father’s boat for the first time in 83 years, and from that moment forward, the fading memories of a most amazing cast of characters were slowly and magically brought back to life. The emerging story, bringing to life the era and flair of Hemingway and Gatsby, progressively grew, becoming more and more complex and sensational—at times to the point of disbelief.
The incredible life journey of Holland Duell, decorated World War I major, celebrated New York state senator, powerful patent attorney, and highly accomplished sailor, is told here from an intimately personal perspective as he is immersed in the Great War, politics at the highest level, the birth of Hollywood, fortunes and mansions, love and romance, and scandalous affairs. The epic tale, far from being a story exclusively for sailors, is a gripping, fast-paced adventure and love story, made all the more amazing by the fact that it is completely true, historically significant, and meticulously documented. A newly unearthed gem in American history, Rowdy will enjoyably transport the reader back in time to the Golden Age of Yachting—AND EVER SO MUCH MORE!
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I purchased the 1916 yacht Rowdy in 1998. What followed changed my life, as can be gleaned from reading the book Rowdy. My twin daughters were born six years later, in mid-2004, and I sold Rowdy in early 2006 to give me the freedom to spend as much time as I could with them. After eight years of ownership, I assumed that the Rowdy project would end when I sold her, but the amazing story, that I, alone, had gained access to, evoked a growing sense of obligation to save this wonderful tale in American History. What followed, to create this book, was another seven years of hard work. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I have.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The dynamic main character, Holland Sackett Duell, sporting the good looks of George Clooney, was as suave and dashing in real life as any fictional Hollywood character that has graced the big screen. Connected to presidents as well as Hollywood society, he was celebrated as an honored New York Senator, renowned patent attorney, decorated WWI hero and exceptional yachtsman. He led a life that was larger than life; an adventurous life; an accomplished life, a romantic life, and a fascinating life to read about.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Rowdy contains all the elements that contribute to a fascinating story – perhaps someday a movie; War, Politics at the highest level, fortunes & mansions, the birth of Hollywood, spirited yachting, love affairs and scandalous affairs. It would seem to be the material of good fiction, yet Rowdy is completely true, historically significant and meticulously documented in support of its authenticity.
As a gift, Rowdy presents as a beautiful coffee table book. The award winning book is of the highest quality; an elegant 8 ½ x 11 hard cover, accented with gold leaf stamping, blind deboss, a rounded spine and a woven burgundy book mark ribbon. The cover portrays the look and feel of worn, vintage leather; an enjoyable compliment to the old world feel in which the entire story is told.