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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
Amazing book. Compares very favorably with Odyssey and is similar in that both are sea stories. Melville weaves a score of short stories into a compelling seamless novel with building tension throughout: the first calm spell in the book is followed soon by drama. After three times the reader knows: these stories are like the weather on the high seas - but a storm brews in the deep. The Royal fish, the leviathan of the deep. Melville's use of the English language is mysterious and profound, deep and broad as the very ocean he describes thereby. Better than Shakespeare, barely, because more experienced, more reflective of reality as opposed to an imagined projection from and onto historic events. Vivid characters described brilliantly. If you are trying to convince a kid to read it, find ONE story in it, have them read that, then try to guid them or let them discover the rest at their own pace.
I loved it from the start but wondered would i be able to read such a massive tome. but i did.
I loved it from the start but wondered would i be able to read such a massive tome. but i did.
I realize it’s a classic, but I could quite happily have gone my entire life without reading this book.
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
One of my first forays into a literary classic. I loved the movie version with Gregory Peck and could not wait to read the novel. I loved the complexity of the captain and even though he could be a hateful creature at times; I felt his ...what? Hunger? Passion? Anxiousness? Apprehension? What; I cannot explain it. Something drives him to hunt down this mythical, and yet very real beast. He understands it, and it understands him until at last they become one. I think I need to read it again...
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very comfy book. I didn't mind the cetology lectures, either.