Scan barcode
edorend's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
erin_s's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
An absolutely beautiful book. The translation felt effortless, conveyed gorgeous imagery, and overall was a delight to read. I'm already thinking about when to reread When the Whales Leave. Will definitely seek out more translations of Yuri Rytkheu's work.
jentidders's review against another edition
4.0
When The Whales Leave is the beautifully translated origin story of the Chukchi indigenous people of the Chukchi Peninsula, Chukchi Sea and Bering Sea region of the Arctic Ocean within the Russian Federation.
Rich with both myth and truth, this is a fascinating insight into a people I'd never before heard of, and a way of life that is gradually becoming lost. I struggled a little at the start, but I'm glad I stuck with what became a hugely rewarding reading experience.
Rich with both myth and truth, this is a fascinating insight into a people I'd never before heard of, and a way of life that is gradually becoming lost. I struggled a little at the start, but I'm glad I stuck with what became a hugely rewarding reading experience.
readingwithadi's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bluedilly's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Pregnancy, Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny, Murder, Sexual assault, Rape, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexism and Child death
yuyuv's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bgg616's review against another edition
5.0
The author, Yuri Rthkheu (1930-2008) was an indigenous Chukchi, born on the Chukotka Peninsula in Siberia on the Bering Sea. He was was an Arctic explorer, hunter and writer. He worked on the sea and as a stevedore to earn money to go to university. He was the descendant of fishermen, and a shaman, and understood the decline of his subsistence hunting society was due to the communist way of life as well as its opposite, market economies. His writing was his life long work to preserve descriptions of the rich culture of his people. He was a man with his feet in two worlds.
When the Whales Leave is at its heart the origin story of the Chukchi people. They believe they are the product of a marriage between a human woman and a whale who became a man. Their first two children were whales, and the remainder had human forms. Rthkheu tells the story of a people who moved away from a lifestyle that treasured their Arctic environment, and moved to exploiting it. The resulting destruction of the natural riches, particularly wildlife which they overhunted and wasted, leads to the devastating conclusion of this story.
This is a tale for our times, although it was published in 1975. Climate change has become impossible to ignore. I became aware of this book after discovering Milkweed Editions, part of Seedbank. Seedbank collects writing from around the world that describe the relationship of humans to the natural environment. I discovered Seedbank after reading Tim Robinson's [b:Listening to the Wind|48661159|Listening to the Wind (Seedbank Book 2)|Tim Robinson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572647449l/48661159._SY75_.jpg|74004267]. These books will move readers to think deeply about the future of our planet.
When the Whales Leave is at its heart the origin story of the Chukchi people. They believe they are the product of a marriage between a human woman and a whale who became a man. Their first two children were whales, and the remainder had human forms. Rthkheu tells the story of a people who moved away from a lifestyle that treasured their Arctic environment, and moved to exploiting it. The resulting destruction of the natural riches, particularly wildlife which they overhunted and wasted, leads to the devastating conclusion of this story.
This is a tale for our times, although it was published in 1975. Climate change has become impossible to ignore. I became aware of this book after discovering Milkweed Editions, part of Seedbank. Seedbank collects writing from around the world that describe the relationship of humans to the natural environment. I discovered Seedbank after reading Tim Robinson's [b:Listening to the Wind|48661159|Listening to the Wind (Seedbank Book 2)|Tim Robinson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572647449l/48661159._SY75_.jpg|74004267]. These books will move readers to think deeply about the future of our planet.
valjeanval's review against another edition
4.0
This is a treasure for people wanting to read some new myths. Surreal and beautifully translated, it explores a very little known culture's creation myth and then extrapolates through generations. The morality may feel a bit heavy-handed for today's audiences, but nevertheless the lessons here are important ones whose echo really should be getting louder during these days of climate change surrounding us.
greeniezona's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
I was not prepared for how heartbreaking this book is. I was lulled into false hope by phrases on the back cover like "buoyantly translated" and "vibrant retelling." Was not prepared for the second half of the book to be all red flags. (CW for graphic animal cruelty, brief mention of sexual assault).
I never know how to rate a book like this. It was wildly effective, vivid, beautiful. But acutely painful.
I never know how to rate a book like this. It was wildly effective, vivid, beautiful. But acutely painful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Minor: Sexual assault