Reviews

Whale Fall by Elizabeth O'Connor

karamojagirl's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

maddyse20's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

melisahebe's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jdowns's review against another edition

informative reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

kinbote4zembla's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

rachng's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kelraeski's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

emilypauw's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

5.0

abe389's review against another edition

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bookishreadsandme's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

4.0

Whalefall is set on a welsh fictional island just before WW2 and follows the point of view of eighteen year old Manod. Where she lives is made up of only about 12 families and no one her age. She feels isolated and worries she is missing out on life. 

When a beached whale is found the locals feel it is a bad omen. With snippets of local folklore, testimonies and stories told by locals to a visiting couple from England who want to write a book about the island, Manod finds herself feeling protective of her local community and is concerned about their motives. The conflict within her wanting to protect her home and look after her sister but the urge to leave and make her own way in the world is depicted beautifully. 

It’s one of those books where it oddly feels like not much happens but at the same time blows you away. The writing is incredible - haunting, lyrical and evocative. With a glorious atmosphere and descriptions of stormy weather, the sights, smells and sounds were easy to imagine. It is only 200 pages long so I read it in only two sittings, plus I could not put it down!

It is a memorable debut and a stunning coming of age story that is quietly powerful and contemplative.