Helpful Score: 1
When, as a student, I was forced to read Melville's Moby Dick, I thought the book was the ultimate in torture. Now, after reading AHAB'S WIFE, I find myself wondering if the novel is still buried in my bookshelves. I may have to read it again!
Sena Jeter Naslund, the author of AHAB'S WIFE, was inspired by a brief passage in Moby Dick and her novel tells the same story of the sea intertwined with a life of a very special woman. The 19th Century was not kind to women, ethnics, the handicapped or the poor. It was a man's world. AHAB'S WIFE tells the story of a little girl growing up in hard times. It is a story of new beginnings and gut wrenching tragedy. This little girl, Una, is allowed to grow up free with her dreams intact. As she comes of age, Una seeks what she wants in the world and in the process, Una learns that life is cruel and unjust. AHAB'S WIFE is a novel about inequality and prejudice. It is also about spirituality and passion. Una is the Tom Sawyer of the Seven Seas! Her tale drifts from the lighthouse she grew up in to the whaler she contrived to sail on. This book is full of fanciful characters including sea captains, runaway slaves, dwarfs, lunatics and eccentric artists. This is a roller-coaster ride of epic proportions. Una is a woman living on the fringes of society. She learns that each time the world takes it also gives back. I loved this book-it is a fantastic tale. There are some shocking revelations, some unexpected twists to a story you thought you knew. I found the book to be entertaining and I have discovered a new heroine. A great way to remove yourself from depressing current events if only for awhile.
Sena Jeter Naslund, the author of AHAB'S WIFE, was inspired by a brief passage in Moby Dick and her novel tells the same story of the sea intertwined with a life of a very special woman. The 19th Century was not kind to women, ethnics, the handicapped or the poor. It was a man's world. AHAB'S WIFE tells the story of a little girl growing up in hard times. It is a story of new beginnings and gut wrenching tragedy. This little girl, Una, is allowed to grow up free with her dreams intact. As she comes of age, Una seeks what she wants in the world and in the process, Una learns that life is cruel and unjust. AHAB'S WIFE is a novel about inequality and prejudice. It is also about spirituality and passion. Una is the Tom Sawyer of the Seven Seas! Her tale drifts from the lighthouse she grew up in to the whaler she contrived to sail on. This book is full of fanciful characters including sea captains, runaway slaves, dwarfs, lunatics and eccentric artists. This is a roller-coaster ride of epic proportions. Una is a woman living on the fringes of society. She learns that each time the world takes it also gives back. I loved this book-it is a fantastic tale. There are some shocking revelations, some unexpected twists to a story you thought you knew. I found the book to be entertaining and I have discovered a new heroine. A great way to remove yourself from depressing current events if only for awhile.
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