Title: AND THE OCEAN WAS OUR SKY
Author: NESS PATRICK
First published September 4, 2018
160 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781406383560 (ISBN10: 1406383562)
Rating: 3.62
Overview
In the depths of the ocean, the whales of Bathsheba’s pod thrive on the thrill of the hunt. With their harpoons at the ready, they fight in a never-ending battle against humanity.
But when they come across a ship floating on the surface of the sea, they discover something far more sinister than they ever could have imagined. They follow a trail that leads them to a mythical creature, a monster beyond their wildest dreams.
As their determined Captain leads the charge, the whales set out on a final, vengeful hunt that will forever alter the course of both whale and human history.
Editoral Review
And the Ocean Was Our Sky is a stunningly illustrated novel by Ness Patrick, first published on September 4, 2018. The book is a unique retelling of the famous Moby Dick story, but with a twist – this time, the story is told from the perspective of the whales.
The novel is not only a work of art, but it also addresses themes like power, identity, and destiny. The novel is set in an underwater world that is unlike our own, where whales and humans are at war.
The whales, led by a fierce Captain, set out on a hunt to find and kill the legendary whale, Toby Wick. The story follows a young whale named Bathsheba, who is determined to prove herself as a valuable member of the crew.
Along the way, Bathsheba confronts her own beliefs about the world, the role of the whales in society, and the concept of destiny. Patrick writes incredibly well, with prose that is both poetic and visceral.
The illustrations done by Rovina Cai in the book are absolutely breathtaking and add to the experience of reading the story. The narrative is paced perfectly, never feeling too slow or too rushed, and every scene is meaningful in its own way.
While the book is a retelling of a classic story, Patrick has managed to make it feel entirely new, almost like an entirely different story altogether. Where Moby Dick was about obsession and revenge, And the Ocean Was Our Sky is about the search for one’s place in the world and the power of destiny.
The characters are nuanced and multi-dimensional, with their own unique backstories and motivations. One of the book’s main strengths is its ability to delve into the complexities of identity and power.
Patrick explores what it means to be a whale in this world, where humans are the dominant force in society. At the same time, the whales have their own power dynamics, with some being more respected and revered than others.
The only real weakness of this book is that it may not be the best fit for younger readers due to its mature content, but this does not detract from the quality and intrigue of the story. Overall, And the Ocean Was Our Sky is a beautifully written and illustrated work of art, with a message that transcends age and genre.
Patrick’s adaptation of Moby Dick shows a keen understanding of the original story, while also highlighting his own unique voice and worldview. The book is a must-read for fans of the classic tale, as well as those looking for a new and compelling story that speaks to the universal human experience of searching for one’s place in the world.
I would give this book a solid rating of 4.5/5, with a recommendation to anyone looking for a story that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
