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foxo_cube 's review for:
Moby-Dick: Or, the Whale
by Herman Melville
adventurous
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this because I follow a handful of people on Tumblr who, seemingly independent of each other, adore the book and will sometimes blorbopost about the characters. It turned out it's one of my close friend's favourite book, too!
And you know what? I get it!!
The narrative structure is very unusual. I would say the best way of describing it is by comparing it to listening to a story told by someone prone to infodumping about tangential topics. The story itself will pause for Ishmael to discuss the specifics of ropes on a boat, or the symbolism of the colour white, or the whale as food. It seems many people consider this frustrating, but I found it very charming, and I think Melville uses it effectively both as a demonstration of Ishmael's character and as a method of foreshadowing.
The book is dense and the prose is purple, but I found it very readable nonetheless.
Also, less important, I knew people had said the book was rather gay, but I expected, I don't know, innuendo and subtext. There was plenty of that (yes, I DID giggle at some of the passages about sperm...), but I didn't expect Ishmael and Queequeg snuggling and being described as akin to husband and wife, complete with bridal imagery!!
And you know what? I get it!!
The narrative structure is very unusual. I would say the best way of describing it is by comparing it to listening to a story told by someone prone to infodumping about tangential topics. The story itself will pause for Ishmael to discuss the specifics of ropes on a boat, or the symbolism of the colour white, or the whale as food. It seems many people consider this frustrating, but I found it very charming, and I think Melville uses it effectively both as a demonstration of Ishmael's character and as a method of foreshadowing.
The book is dense and the prose is purple, but I found it very readable nonetheless.
Also, less important, I knew people had said the book was rather gay, but I expected, I don't know, innuendo and subtext. There was plenty of that (yes, I DID giggle at some of the passages about sperm...), but I didn't expect Ishmael and Queequeg snuggling and being described as akin to husband and wife, complete with bridal imagery!!