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kzizz's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Not like any non-fiction I’d read before. So poetically written and informative at the same time. A fascinating examination of both how whales have impacted human culture over the centuries - as well as the inverse .
cyluho's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Very interesting and intriguing examination of human-whale relationship throughout the years. Re-awakened my love for whales and also made me really angry and sad.
The way the author tried to tie in his own life seemed a bit random and out of place at times. There were some very confusing jumps in the storytelling ocassionally.
The way the author tried to tie in his own life seemed a bit random and out of place at times. There were some very confusing jumps in the storytelling ocassionally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Violence
Minor: Slavery, Terminal illness, Cannibalism, and Death of parent
tesladrianne's review
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.0
i would have loved less glorifying of the killing of the whales (and also less moby dick talk) and more… i don’t know, whale facts? this book just made me sad
ejthomas's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great book. Full of interesting facts about whaling and whales with quotes from "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville.
Fortunately I had not read "Moby Dick" before reading this book. If I had I would have found the many references and analysis of the book tedious. To be honest there were places where I'd had enough of the quotes and wanted more about whales.
Fortunately I had not read "Moby Dick" before reading this book. If I had I would have found the many references and analysis of the book tedious. To be honest there were places where I'd had enough of the quotes and wanted more about whales.
kthompson9's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
sparrowlight's review
4.0
The fact that I read this entire book while taking a course on Moby-Dick -- and it was not on the reading list -- is a testament not to my own reading interests, but to Hoare's masterful and engaging prose. He weaves extensive quotes about whaling, many from Melville, with personal anecdotes and reflections. Though he covered a wide range of territory, from the history of hunting whales to contemporary whale-watching expeditions, he handles each angle with grace and beautiful prose.
gingerjane's review
3.0
I read this for book club and rather enjoyed it - however I left the last chapter for two weeks before I finished it and I'd fallen off the Leviathan band wagon somewhat which meant that I was all like "WHAT?" when I read it this morning.
lelandbuck's review against another edition
5.0
Despite much searching, I have yet to find a more loving, inquisitive, or touching look at the great creatures of the deep. This is a beautiful and informative book filled with awe and respect for the whale. I highly recommend it to any with a love of whales, animals in general, or the sea. A really satisfying read.
jaimcham's review
4.0
I have never seen anyone really SEE a whale like Hoare sees a whale. If you like prose that feels a little like poetry, his sentences will leave you reeling for days.