Staying Afloat by Barbara J. Langston

Staying Afloat by Barbara J. Langston

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Barbara Langston’s Staying Afloat is a rare memoir that doesn’t just narrate events, it makes you live them. From cold dawns at sea to the warmth of community in ports, from the exhilaration of freedom to the sting of loss, Langston’s prose is honest, evocative, and heart-opening.

What makes the book so compelling is the way she balances hardship and hope. Even in times of danger, even in tragedy, there is humor, beauty, generosity. Her reflections on her family, on what it means to support dreams, deal with fear, stick together, are among the strongest parts. She also brings alive the settings: the floating homes, the boats, the small communities, the environment of coastal BC in those years. You feel cold, scared, and most of all you feel her unwavering commitment.

This is one of those memoirs you don’t want to put down. Five stars. A memorable, thoughtful read, and a story that deserves to be shared widely.



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