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A review by sara_m_martins
The Whale Library by Judith Vanistendael, Zidrou
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was made for someone much smarter than myself (positive).
The main theme, as I see it, is the importance of stories, telling and consuming, with a strong love note to the sea in the middle.
Coupled with beautiful illustrations, in blue and red tones, a palette which also confers a much deeper meaning to the story.
This is a story that you can chew for a while - i went back and forth a couple times, noticing meanings and parallels in both story and colour and their combination; each one adding a new thing.
In terms of tone this is a more adult book than it first seems, especially because of the sad twist towards the end (see TW:pregnancy loss, stillbirth, animal cruelty ) (+light nudity included).
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.
The main theme, as I see it, is the importance of stories, telling and consuming, with a strong love note to the sea in the middle.
Coupled with beautiful illustrations, in blue and red tones, a palette which also confers a much deeper meaning to the story.
This is a story that you can chew for a while - i went back and forth a couple times, noticing meanings and parallels in both story and colour and their combination; each one adding a new thing.
In terms of tone this is a more adult book than it first seems, especially because of the sad twist towards the end (see TW:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Miscarriage, Blood, and Pregnancy