Paying Davy Jones

Paying Davy Jones by Millie Vigor, published by Crowood Press in 2014, is a work of fiction that explores the complexities of life during the North Sea oil boom of the mid-1970s. The narrative centers on Catherine Williams, whose adult children are all employed in oil-related jobs. Despite their success, Catherine is troubled by the disruptions caused by the oil industry, believing that Davy Jones will exact a toll on those who exploit natural resources, impacting both the environment and human lives.

Readers will find a story that delves into the personal and societal ramifications of the oil boom, particularly through the lens of Catherine’s family. The arrival of immigrant workers in Deepdale introduces new dynamics, especially when Catherine’s eldest son, Robbie, falls in love with the daughter of an immigrant family. As Robbie transitions from fishing to working on a drilling rig in Aberdeen, the narrative raises questions about safety and the true cost of industrial progress. This edition spans 224 pages and is presented in English, offering a detailed examination of the era’s challenges and choices.