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WORDS ON WATER

WORDS ON WATER, A Ferryman’s Journal, Washington Island, WI
by Richard Purinton: $19.95 plus $2.75 postage,
Cross+Roads Press, P.O. Box 33, Ellison bay, WI. 54210

Reviewed by Barbara Fitz Vroman*

Published by writer Norbert Blei’s CROSS+ROADS eclectic and literary press, it is a proud and elegant edition to his previous books and chapbooks, many authored by Wisconsin poets, short story writers, novelists, and essayists. In his introduction to the book, Blei reminisces about standing on the dock at Gills Rock, anticipating a trip to Washington Island more than 50 years ago, watching two small ferry boats heading there and back. He found himself wondering, Who is the ferryman in the wheelhouse? What is his life like? What’s over there anyway? How could anyone live on an island? There must be some real stories there.

When he came to know Dick Purinton, he discovered that besides being a ferry boat captain, the man was a good writer and Blei wasn’t able to rest until he got the ferryman to put his words in book form. The result is a journal Purinton kept upon Blei’s suggestion for the year 2007-- his thoughts and adventures as the captain of the fleet of Washington Island ferries, including the Arni J Richter, named for his father-in-law who had founded the business.
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“Freedom of expression and the First Amendment apply only if you own the newspaper” -Harry Golden

Editor/Publisher/Distributor: N. Blei
Staff Writers/Columnists: Blei & Co. At Large; Coyote (Environment), Salvador Prague (Foreign/Domestic); Olaf Uffda (Local Color); Lovta DuMore X. (Affaires du cœur. etc.).

Disclaimer: The Door County Times is not responsible for any ideas or opinions expressed in Norbert Blei's writings.

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on: September 28, 2009

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