A good story well told

Re “The old men and the sea,” Column One, Jan. 1

Christopher Goffard’s article was an especially fine piece of writing. It was well-structured and lucid, with many beautiful turns of phrase. He captured his subject, of course, as a good journalist should, but he also rendered a deft sketch of an archetypical American character and of a singularly lonely way of life. What a pleasure to find this kind of writing in The Times.

Steve Barker

San Juan Capistrano

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Goffard’s piece on Karl Markvart and the other sailor-dreamers is just one very fine art of storytelling and slice of life -- exquisitely written. He captured something indefinable, fragments of life itself! I just wish it had been longer. The poignancy, humor, the conversation between two tough old men (dueling monologues), the interview with the boatyard manager -- everything right on. Congratulations.

Peter Canning

Los Angeles