Ship Breaker
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Paolo Bacigalupi |
| Products | Young adult novel |
Ship Breaker is a 2010 young adult novel authored by Paolo Bacigalupi, set against a backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world suffering from severe environmental degradation. With the polar ice caps melted and New Orleans submerged underwater, a modest economy has emerged, relying on scavenging remnants of oil tankers washed ashore for precious resources such as copper.
The narrative centers on Nailer, a fifteen-year-old scavenger who lives with his addicted father, Richard Lopez. After a fierce storm, Nailer saves Nita, the daughter of an affluent merchant, which ignites tensions involving Richard, local authorities, and Nita’s adversaries, including her uncle Pyce.
Plot
Nailer’s daily life involves collecting copper wire from deteriorating ships to fulfill his quota. After falling into an oil pool and surviving an attempted betrayal by a crew member named Sloth, he manages to recover despite his injuries.
Following a powerful storm that leaves Richard incapacitated, Nailer and Pima discover a stranded clipper ship on the shore. They rescue the lone survivor, Nita, who is referred to as "Lucky Girl." Initially, Richard intends to kill Nita and claim the salvage for himself but ultimately spares her because of obligations owed to Pima’s mother.
Nita confides that she escaped from her uncle Pyce, who seeks to exploit her in order to gain control over illicit tar sands operations. Determined to help her flee safely to New Orleans, Nailer enlists the aid of Tool, a former crewman.
Upon reaching New Orleans, they await the arrival of the Dauntless, a ship loyal to Nita’s father. However, Nita is abducted by Richard and Pyce. In response, Nailer teams up with Captain Candless and the Dauntless crew to chase after the Pole-Star, where Nita is being held captive.
During the pursuit, Nailer acquires skills in reading and maintaining ship systems. The Dauntless successfully outmaneuvers competing vessels and boards the Pole-Star. Utilizing his newly gained expertise and courage, Nailer confronts Richard, defeats him, and rescues Nita. The story concludes with their reunion on the beach where they initially crossed paths.
Primary Characters
- Nailer: The central figure and adolescent scavenger belonging to the "light crew." His only surviving family member is his abusive father. He earned the nickname "Lucky Boy" after narrowly escaping death by drowning in oil.
- Pima: A close companion of Nailer and leader of a segment within the "light crew."
- Nita: The lone survivor of a maritime disaster and heiress to a prominent global shipping dynasty. Referred to as "Lucky Girl" by both Nailer and Pima.
- Tool: A "half-man" who serves on Richard Lopez's team and provides support to Nailer.
- Sadna: Veteran scavenger of the "heavy crew" and mother to Pima.
- Richard Lopez: The primary antagonist and Nailer's father, commanding a heavy crew scavenging group.
Supporting Characters
- Sloth: Previously part of Nailer's "light crew," removed after deserting him inside an oil tanker.
- Bapi: Overseer of the "light crew" and superior to Nailer and Pima, recognized for his strict leadership style.
- Lucky Strike: Ex-salvage worker who became a prosperous entrepreneur with varied business ventures.
- Blue Eyes: Member of Richard Lopez's team, deeply committed to the Life Cult.
- Patel: Affluent family engaged in ship dismantling; Nita asserts familial ties.
- Nathaniel Pyce: Nita's deceitful uncle, intent on seizing control of the family enterprise and trafficking illegal "tar sand."
- Captain Candless: Commander of the vessel Dauntless.
- Reynolds: First mate and midshipman serving under Captain Candless.
- Moby: Security personnel aligned with Richard Lopez.
Awards and Recognitions
- Finalist for the 2010 National Book Award in Young People's Literature; recipient of the 2011 Michael L. Printz Award
- Awarded the Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book
- Contender for the 2010 Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy; featured on the American Library Association's 2011 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults list