Friday, February 22, 2019

And the Ocean was Our Sky


by Patrick Ness
HarperTeen, 2018. 158 pgs. Young Adult Fiction

For centuries, whales and men have been at war with each other. Bathsheba is an apprentice under the formidable Captain Alexandra, and they hunt to protect and provide for their pod. During an attack on what appears to be easy prey, they find the trail of a mythical monster. Following their unrelenting Captain, Bathsheba and her fellow apprentices must each come to terms with fate, prophecy, and prejudice as they face the upcoming battle.

I found this book intrigue and thought provoking, although the plot was slow at times. The illustrations by Rovina Cai are absolutely gorgeous and enhance the story.  The topics of fate and prejudice are highly relevant today and Ness’s writing encourages deeper exploration of your own thoughts and feelings. The references to Moby Dick are fairly minor, and I do not feel that it is necessary to have read it beforehand. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys illustrated stories or lyrical writing.

TT

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