A review by watkins
The Pull of the Ocean by Jean-Claude Mourlevat

4.0

This book was written in French and translated into English. He is 10 years old and the size of a toddler, but considered by all his brothers to be very wise. He tells his brothers they must leave home because their parents are planning to “harm them.” They believe him and he leads them on a journey to the sea. The Pull of the Ocean is told from the viewpoints of Yann’s brothers and many others who encounter the 7 on their way to the sea. We do not hear from Yann until the end of the story. The different characters telling their stories allows us to experience a variety of viewpoints in French society. It is obvious that the characters are not American and do not consider things as Americans would. This book promotes understanding of a different culture by keeping the uniquely French viewpoint in the English translation. It is based on the traditional fantasy of Le petit poucet, a French version of Tom Thumb.
I would use this book in a beginning level French class. It is a fun read and would introduce some intrest in France.