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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
I had prepared myself for a long slog that could potentially last more than a month, but I enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would. It is not even that long, (at 640 pages or so, it is half the length of War and Peace, for example), and the chapters are totally bite-sized, most of them not exceeding 3-4 pages. There is even a chapter that is only a few lines long. I finished it in around 3 weeks (21 days).
I was prepared for the racism and Orientalism.. After all, it’s written by a white man in the early 19th century. Yet I was totally surprised by how homoerotic this novel is. Ishmael as a white, European man, is both repulsed by and attracted to Queequeeg, the “Savage”, and it is utterly fascinating to see him fall in love with this man who represents ‘the Other’, which is a perfect manifestation of Orientalism, in my opinion.
I was also very surprised by the theatricality of it. A lot of chapters read like a screenplay, or a script, with complete stage instructions in parentheses, as if they were written for the sole purpose of being performed. As a fan of theater, I really loved this. I really loved how Melville plays with different storytelling techniques.
Yes, the chapters on cetology were kind of difficult to get through, but Melville’s language in the narration of the story is so beautiful and poetic that he made up for it in the other chapters. I especially loved it when he used alliteration. Those portions of the book would be great to listen to as an audiobook, too!
The characters are unforgettable. This is, at its core, a story about a deathly obsession and revenge, and for me, Ahab will be one of those fictional characters that will stay with me for a long time. I actually had a dream about the book one night, and I don’t normally dream about the books I am reading.
Overall, I am so glad I read it. The Pequod’s journey took me away from my own life and my problems, and for a few weeks, I got immersed in this sea voyage, along with the crew. I will miss them for sure!
I was prepared for the racism and Orientalism.. After all, it’s written by a white man in the early 19th century. Yet I was totally surprised by how homoerotic this novel is. Ishmael as a white, European man, is both repulsed by and attracted to Queequeeg, the “Savage”, and it is utterly fascinating to see him fall in love with this man who represents ‘the Other’, which is a perfect manifestation of Orientalism, in my opinion.
I was also very surprised by the theatricality of it. A lot of chapters read like a screenplay, or a script, with complete stage instructions in parentheses, as if they were written for the sole purpose of being performed. As a fan of theater, I really loved this. I really loved how Melville plays with different storytelling techniques.
Yes, the chapters on cetology were kind of difficult to get through, but Melville’s language in the narration of the story is so beautiful and poetic that he made up for it in the other chapters. I especially loved it when he used alliteration. Those portions of the book would be great to listen to as an audiobook, too!
The characters are unforgettable. This is, at its core, a story about a deathly obsession and revenge, and for me, Ahab will be one of those fictional characters that will stay with me for a long time. I actually had a dream about the book one night, and I don’t normally dream about the books I am reading.
Overall, I am so glad I read it. The Pequod’s journey took me away from my own life and my problems, and for a few weeks, I got immersed in this sea voyage, along with the crew. I will miss them for sure!
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Only managed to listen to 75% before my library loan ran out so had to read the rest with my eyes. Enjoyed the audiobook experience more.
Fascinating story, varied. Starts out as a buddy mobie, then more of a whaling textbook, then night time itself. Denouement only on the last page, good tension and character development and construction. In between, the writer gives his opinion about philosophers, etc. Lots of symbolism. Often pompous and bombastic language, which makes it difficult to follow. Heavy ending. Read in 3 weeks.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes