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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
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
What a difficult read! It's as if Melville began writing his main story, and on some days decided to write about other things or just transcribe his research. It's all well written but hard to stay with sometimes. If I hadn't switched back and forth between reading and Frank Muller's audio (thanks, Whispersync!), I don't think I would have made it all the way through. And that would have been a pity because the final chapters truly pay off.
What a journey! This book is an immense, reflective dive into the human condition, obsession, and our relationship with the unknowable. It’s not just about whaling, it’s about everything: philosophy, nature, ambition, and madness.
Melville’s prose is dense and occasionally daunting, but the depth of his exploration is remarkable. Ahab’s tragic obsession with the white whale was captivating, he’s a character who embodies raw determination and self-destruction in equal measure. Ishmael’s reflective narration balances the chaos with moments of wit and dry humor, which I didn’t expect but thoroughly enjoyed.
While some of the digressions into whaling techniques and anatomy tested my patience, I came to appreciate them as part of the immersive world Melville was building. The symbolism in the book, the whale, the ocean, the Pequod itself is rich and layered, giving me so much to think about even after finishing.
Moby Dick is a challenging read, but it’s rewarding for those willing to dive into its depths. The combination of humor, tragedy, and philosophical weight makes it a modern classic in every sense. Not perfect, but unforgettable.
Melville’s prose is dense and occasionally daunting, but the depth of his exploration is remarkable. Ahab’s tragic obsession with the white whale was captivating, he’s a character who embodies raw determination and self-destruction in equal measure. Ishmael’s reflective narration balances the chaos with moments of wit and dry humor, which I didn’t expect but thoroughly enjoyed.
While some of the digressions into whaling techniques and anatomy tested my patience, I came to appreciate them as part of the immersive world Melville was building. The symbolism in the book, the whale, the ocean, the Pequod itself is rich and layered, giving me so much to think about even after finishing.
Moby Dick is a challenging read, but it’s rewarding for those willing to dive into its depths. The combination of humor, tragedy, and philosophical weight makes it a modern classic in every sense. Not perfect, but unforgettable.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
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
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes