About Memories on the Bounty

A bit of Maritime history, a dash of Hollywood glamour, a glimpse of Tahiti in simpler times, and a tribute to lifelong friendships—these diverse threads come together to create a touching story, Memories on the Bounty.

“There will be no need to mutiny! Janet Coulter Sanford’s Memories on the Bounty was everything a reader could want in a memoir.”

— Lana Shupe, Atlantic Book Reviews

***

I had long known that my old friend, Roy Boutilier, had a wonderful story to tell about one golden year of his life. But when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, I realized that his story was about to be lost. Unless maybe, just maybe, I could save it.

Capturing memories from the Bounty…

I began visiting Roy on Monday mornings for coffee and conversation, intending to capture Roy’s story for his children and grandchildren. But as we chatted about his time on the Bounty, I soon realized there was much more to tell than I had originally thought.

The building of the Bounty in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, its voyage to Tahiti and the year Roy spent on the film set of Mutiny on the Bounty were all great story material. But the people Roy told me about were equally fascinating: handsome, devilish Hugh Boyd, beautiful Tahitian bride Suzanne Maifano, and sparkling, spirited Claudene Christian. These people and others came alive for me as Roy told his story.

Keeping those memories alive…

As my time with Roy progressed, so did his disease. And with that, the story I was writing quietly changed too. I observed some heart-wrenching changes in Roy as we worked together. Nonetheless, Roy and his story have been preserved—a small victory over the disease and a fitting tribute to a great storyteller.

I hope you will enjoy Memories on the Bounty as it endeavours to preserve not only Maritime history, but also some of the people who lived and loved it all.