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A review by rknitss
Whalefall by Daniel Kraus
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is the story of a teenager coming to terms with his estranged father's death and their complicated history. This teenager has also be swallowed by a sperm whale and has 1hr of air left in his tank.
This was a difficult read for someone who has a complicated relationship with their parents. I came to the point of tears at times. You could really feel Jay's anguish thinking on all the hurts he suffered at the hands of his father, all the regrets he had regarding their relationship, all the things that could have been different.
The whale is a character and a metaphor.
The descriptions of the inside of the whale are brilliant and horrific. This is not Jonah's nice comfy journey; Jay fights for his life (and the fight is messy) as he fights to understand the man he called father. I can only imagine the hours of marine biology research that went into this book. The science seemed sound to a lay-person like me and was woven into the story beautifully. You really believe that Jay can know the things about the ocean that he does, why he knows it, and his struggle to recall the parts that will keep him going.
Even the ending, which I was sure would disappoint, was well done and satisfying.
Would recommend to people who like science thrillers, people who are into whales, marine biology and the ocean in general, scuba enthusiasts and people who like an exploration of character relationships particularly the relationship between father and son.
This was a difficult read for someone who has a complicated relationship with their parents. I came to the point of tears at times. You could really feel Jay's anguish thinking on all the hurts he suffered at the hands of his father, all the regrets he had regarding their relationship, all the things that could have been different.
The whale is a character and a metaphor.
The descriptions of the inside of the whale are brilliant and horrific. This is not Jonah's nice comfy journey; Jay fights for his life (and the fight is messy) as he fights to understand the man he called father. I can only imagine the hours of marine biology research that went into this book. The science seemed sound to a lay-person like me and was woven into the story beautifully. You really believe that Jay can know the things about the ocean that he does, why he knows it, and his struggle to recall the parts that will keep him going.
Even the ending, which I was sure would disappoint, was well done and satisfying.
Would recommend to people who like science thrillers, people who are into whales, marine biology and the ocean in general, scuba enthusiasts and people who like an exploration of character relationships particularly the relationship between father and son.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gore, Suicide, and Injury/Injury detail