Scan barcode
A review by sloreads_ca
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
3.5
More on blog!
To be clear, this is not a literary review of Moby Dick. We've all heard of Moby Dick, it's easy to find excellent literary criticism for this book on the internet.
I listened to the Blackstone Audio version of the audiobook, and Anthony Heald, the narrator, did a fantastic job. The book was an intimidating 24 hours long and was, in fact, dense as heck.
While I loved all the nautical details of sailing a ship, I'm a delicate reader. My stomach feels queasy at graphic descriptions of violence. Long sections explicitly detail the butchering process; even the hunt scenes got the better of me a few times.
For my purposes, I've experienced Moby Dick, caught the vibe, and have context for understanding future references relating to the book. I felt strong emotions for the brave crew, and I was rooting for Starbuck to save them all. The lyrical qualities of the writing increase in intensity towards the end, which heightens the tension excellently. I'm happy I've read it, but I wouldn't pick it if asked for a classic recommendation.
To be clear, this is not a literary review of Moby Dick. We've all heard of Moby Dick, it's easy to find excellent literary criticism for this book on the internet.
I listened to the Blackstone Audio version of the audiobook, and Anthony Heald, the narrator, did a fantastic job. The book was an intimidating 24 hours long and was, in fact, dense as heck.
While I loved all the nautical details of sailing a ship, I'm a delicate reader. My stomach feels queasy at graphic descriptions of violence. Long sections explicitly detail the butchering process; even the hunt scenes got the better of me a few times.
For my purposes, I've experienced Moby Dick, caught the vibe, and have context for understanding future references relating to the book. I felt strong emotions for the brave crew, and I was rooting for Starbuck to save them all. The lyrical qualities of the writing increase in intensity towards the end, which heightens the tension excellently. I'm happy I've read it, but I wouldn't pick it if asked for a classic recommendation.