Joan Druett

Joan Druett is a New Zealand author known for her works on maritime history and historical fiction. She has written several books focusing on the lives of women at sea and has received recognition for her detailed research and engaging storytelling.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Island Of The Lost

    Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World

    The book recounts the harrowing true story of two separate shipwrecks that occurred in 1864 on opposite ends of Auckland Island, a remote and inhospitable land in the Southern Ocean. It contrasts the experiences of the two groups of survivors: one led by Captain Thomas Musgrave, who, through leadership, cooperation, and ingenuity, managed to survive and eventually escape; and the other, a crew of Norwegian sailors, whose lack of organization and discord led to a tragic outcome. The narrative explores themes of survival, leadership, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

  2. 2. In The Wake Of Madness

    The Murderous Voyage of the Whaleship Sharon

    Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century whaling industry, this gripping narrative delves into the mysterious and chilling events aboard the whaleship Sharon. The story unravels the harrowing tale of Captain Howes Norris, whose descent into madness leads to a brutal mutiny and murder on the high seas. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book explores the psychological and social dynamics of life at sea, the pressures of leadership, and the thin line between sanity and madness, offering a haunting glimpse into a dark chapter of maritime history.