THE TERRIBLE HOURS

Maas has written a testimonial to "Swede" Momsen, inventor and pioneer in deep-water diving, focusing on the disaster of the submarine SQUALAS. On a choppy day in the late 1920s, a vessel known as the best of subs sailed out of Portsmouth Harbor for a trial run. Meticulously conceived and supplied, she was showing off her perfection. The accident occurring shortly after submersion shocked the Navy and summoned Momsen's creative genius to the rescue. What might have become a mere catalogue of naval maneuvers and mishaps becomes, with Conway's deft and sensitive delivery, a riveting saga of man and boat. Momsen, the SQUALAS and her crew will not soon be forgotten. S.B.S. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 00]