Author: Nathaniel Philbrick
ISBN: 978-0-00-812683-4
RRP: $22.99
I feel like I should start this with some background. I had read a little about the book but wasn’t really familiar with what I was getting myself into. What I did read was enough to intrigue me, but not prepare me.
In The Heart of the Sea is a TRUE STORY, it is also the story that inspired Moby Dick. I feel that I need to mention here that I haven’t read Moby Dick, I know it was about a whale but that’s about it. It’s a classic that I always thought I should read but never quite got around to.
I thought this was a new book but it’s just a new edition. First published in 2000 In The Heart of the Sea is now being made into a major motion picture starring Chris Hemsworth and this is the new edition. I want to say the movie tie in release but I’m not sure.
This book was written long after the story took place so as well as the events as they took place we read about all of the research that has gone into the book, all of the findings that have been made in the years since about the events and their effects on the people.
In The Heart of the Sea is the incredible tale of the sinking of the whaleship Essex from Nantucket but it is also an extensive study of Nantucket and of whaling in the early 19th Century.
Nantucket is a place I am familiar with, though it’s history was completely new to me. I know of it through books set in the trendy seaside tourist island, I did not know of it’s whaling history. Whaling, too, is something I knew of but nothing substantial about. I know that within my lifetime people have lobbied to have it stopped but that was about it.
In The Heart of the Sea has given me a working knowledge of 19th Century whaling and I feel that it’s barbaric, there were whaling scenes that turned my stomach. It was certainly eye opening and education is never a bad thing, I can certainly understand the lobbying to have whaling stopped.
I am struggling a little with what I want to say because I still haven’t fully processed it. Non-fiction is not usually my thing and my relationship with history is sketchy at best. This was written to follow the timeline of the Essex voyage though peppered with newer information and research. The writing style was well done, the way newer information was integrated with the account of the Essex voyage was easy to follow and always relevant.
This is where I am going to have real trouble vocalising because I found the book dragged and it was quite heavy reading. Yet I can’t really say that the pacing was off or slow because these poor whalemen was stranded at sea for 93 days and not a lot happens, I’m sure they felt it dragged a lot more than I did.
I think the movie will be fantastic and I don’t think it will drag because it will need to be condensed into a couple of hours. Having said all of that I think this was a well researched and well written book that Philbrick was clearly passionate about.
The way that Melville and Moby Dick are woven into In The Heart of the Sea tells the story of how Moby Dick was inspired to give a little insight into that book as well. I am definitely considering adding Moby Dick to my list of books to read.
I will be interested to hear other’s thoughts on this one, and especially from those who have read Moby Dick. An engrossing and educational read that captivated me even when I felt that I was working hard to make progress.
Nathaniel Philbrick is on Facebook and his Website.
In The Heart of the Sea is available from Harper Collins, Angus & Robertson Bookworld, Booktopia and where all good books are sold.
30 of our lucky readers will also be reading In The Heart of the Sea so please be aware there may be spoilers in the comments below.
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!
In The Heart of The Sea was a heavy read. I didn’t enjoy reading it at all to start with.
I have a history with the ocean and working on it so have a working knowledge of ships. I found this book a bit of a plod to start with. I am glad I did persevere with it.
Nathaniel Philbrick has brilliantly researched the Whaling Industry and the attention to detail is amazing. It draws you in and you can actually picture yourself involved in many scenes he describes.
I have a little understanding of the horrific events working on a Whaling Vessel, the hardships the crew endured and the tragedy of the numerous loss of ships and life that did occur. I had heard of the sinking of the Essex.
Philbrick’s description of the crews hardship after the Essex was sunk was very detailed and the extremes they went through just to survive shows what hard men ( and boys ) these Whalers were.
The comparison with other survivor stories of cannibalism were very hard hitting.
I think the movie that has just been released will be enjoyable but this book is not an easy, relaxing read for a rainy afternoon but on saying that, I think In the Heart of The Sea will appeal to some readers who enjoy Maritime History, I know a lot more about the History of the Whaling Industry and Nantucket that I never knew.
Thank you for the chance to read something totally different from the usual Book Clubs.
I had no idea that the story of Moby Dick was based on a true story and I must admit that I have not read Moby Dick. I know that basics of the story and that was that.
I love that “In the Heart of the Sea” was a true story as I often feel that truth is so much more interesting and mind blowing then a made up story. It was frustrating to me trying to get into this book as to start with there is a lot of back history and build up. This story is one that i would say is educational. It is not something that you should read if you are a after a feel good read or something light to escape into on a Sunday afternoon. I found at times I had to put the book down and walk away just to recharge my batteries. Im glad that Ive read it.
This book is wonderful if you would like to gather some information on the topic of whaling. Brilliant if you love stories that will teach you things and give you information that you didnt know.
Not one that I would be quick to jump back into for a reread but in time, perhaps 5 years or so im sure I will reread it as I often find that on second read throughs i tend to pick up things I missed the first time around.
If you have a couple of weeks where you have down time and you dont have anything stressful going on in your life then perhaps give this book a go and see what you think.
Thanks Beauty & Lace for the chance to read “In The Heart Of The Sea”. I did apply to read this book but wasn’t sure if I’d like it….the part that grabbed me was in the excerpt I read that it was blood-thirsty and violent, so I thought it may be OK to read. I made the right choice. This isn’t a book for the faint-hearted or the squeamish.
The story is set in the 1820’s when a whaling ship named Essex left Nantucket with a crew of 20 men for a 3 year whale hunting journey….but 15 months into their sail, in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the Essex was rammed twice by a Sperm Whale, which sunk the ship….leaving the 20 man crew floating around in small boats for the next 93 days as they encounter every possible scenario you could think of on the water. This is amazingly a true story and the idea behind Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.
I was left in a state of mind-numbness after reading…the very descriptive writing when telling the story of the hunting and killing of whales and the torture of Sea Turtles and then the Cannibalism of their own crew to stay alive, had my stomach unsettled at times and I felt in despair.
I don’t know anything about the whaling industry or the Essex…I’ve never read Moby Dick, so everything written about was new to me but I did enjoy having the history lesson ad I enjoyed the book…it wasn’t what I was expecting and I do hope now with the movie coming out, that they’ve followed the storyline of the book and haven’t embellished too much…as it is a true story and the movie doesn’t need anything else to male it appealing – the actual story/facts are enough.
Thanks Beauty & Lace for the chance to read this great book .
The book had a lot of drama and a great history lesson it was really interesting and very deep to read it is great to picture the story in your mind and really know how hard it was for them and their wives .Some bits I found hard to believe but very very riveting I cant wait for the movie hope they don’t take out all the yucky bits . Thankyou for the chance to tread this fantastic book I really enjoyed something different and true for a change
I found it a bit of a hard read but once i got into it was easier to sit and read for more than 5 min photos was a bonus
This tale of survival in recorded history has to be one of the most astonishing I think. Before I say any more, let me tell you that this story is not for people with weak stomachs.
After the ship is disabled by an attacking sperm whale, the survivors find themselves on three open boats in the middle of the Pacific Ocean over 2,000 miles from their targeted landfall in South America. With luck, they will make it in 30 days. They soon find themselves in a stall as the winds fail to cooperate, except to provide severe storms that threaten to capsize the boats.
Soon, all the food is encrusted with salt and everyone is suffering with severe dehydration. Then things start to get worse! I won’t go further, but you have an amazing story of survival ahead of you.
Two of the few survivors of this terrible ordeal later committed their experiences to writing, which provide great resources for this well-researched book.
At another level, the book is also extremely interesting because these experiences were important influences on Herman Melville’s writing of the American classic, Moby Dick. The book makes the connection, including how Melville came to learn the story.
The ultimate irony is that the survivors went the wrong way. Those from Nantucket did not know about Tahiti and Hawaii, and chose not to go in either of those directions, either of which would have provided more rapid safety and comfort. The primary reason they chose not to go in these directions is because they feared running into cannibals. Soon the survivors were studying the remains of dead shipmates with hunger. And then it actually gets worse. Get ready for the trip of your life! Thank you Beauty & Lace for the opportunity to read and review In The Heart Of The Sea.
I loved this book on so many levels. Firstly, its not a mindless read. You certainly need to pay attention and focus on the development, scene setting and method of writing. However, after the first chapter or so you get into the swing of it and like the great white whale are ‘hooked’!
I am not a big historical reader but the creative detail used in this book is the second reason I loved it. It really set the scene and whilst some of the story was quite graphic it was in the character of the time and the place.
I had read Moby Dick before and loved the story but this version of that story really brings it to life. The struggle of life onboard, the egos, the all or nothing attitude and the need to provide for your family are clearly explored in this deep and enriching book.
For me ultimately, it was the character development that I loved the most. The struggles they faced not only with each other but with themselves was written and conveyed in a manner that you felt the struggle and understood their anguish.
A great read but not for the light hearted!
In The Heart Of The Sea is a beautiful book about Whaling and the struggles those experienced through this difficult time. Nathaniel Philbrick takes us back to a time when nothing but hardship and extremeties ruled those who experienced life out at sea. I had not read Moby Dick but now have experienced another view of this classic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
I read In the Heart of the Sea, but unfortunately I just couldn’t get into it. I took it on my honeymoon to read, and was so disappointed but thankyou for the opportunity to read this novel. Although I did learn that Moby Dick was based on a true story
Heart of the Sea was unfortunately one of those books I just couldn’t get into. I am an avid reader but this one was a struggle for me – All is not lost though I passed this on to my mum who loved the story and said it was a fabulous read so my mission is to try again.