A review by theknepper
From the Mouth of the Whale by Sjón

3.0

I don't really know what to think of this book. It was different than just about anything else I've ever read, but beautifully written. Lyrical and captivating for sure. The story is of Jónas Pálmason. Jónas has been exiled for dissidence and is reminiscing about important events in his life. It's told almost through his stream of consciousness as he reflects on his memories and describes his barren island home. I got so wrapped up in his ruminations that I lost track of what was happening in the here and now. It made the book a bit confusing and led to some shocks as I was pulled back to the present early 17th century. For me, the book took a hard turn that caught me by surprise. I don't think I was in the right mood. Had I read this at a different place and time I probably would have liked it better. Either way, though, the writing was lovely and I couldn't help but get pulled in to this epic tale.