Title: And the Ocean Was Our Sky
Author: Patrick Ness
First published September 4, 2018
160 pages, Hardcover
Rating: 3.62
Overview
Amidst the vastness of the ocean, the whales of Bathsheba’s pod are determined to prove their might against the human world. Their harpoons ready, they set out on a hunt, expecting to find an easy target.
But what they discover is far more terrifying than anything they could have imagined. A monster, a mythical creature, or perhaps even the devil himself, is lurking in the deep.
Driven by their fierce Captain, the whales embark on a dangerous pursuit, seeking to exact their revenge and change the course of history forever. The epic battle between these two worlds will leave you in awe and wonder.
About the Author
Patrick Ness is a celebrated author with a diverse range of writing experience. Not only has he written for England’s Radio 4 and Sunday Telegraph, but he also serves as a literary critic for The Guardian.
Ness has penned several books, such as the Chaos Walking Trilogy, The Crash of Hennington, Topics About Which I Know Nothing, and A Monster Calls.
His writing prowess has garnered him various accolades, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Costa Children’s Book Award. Although born in Virginia, Ness now calls London his home.
Editoral Review
And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness is a unique and thought-provoking novel that takes a familiar story and turns it on its head. Ness is an award-winning British author known for his young adult novels, including the Chaos Walking trilogy and A Monster Calls, which was adapted into a successful film.
In his latest work, Ness reimagines Herman Melvilles classic Moby Dick from the perspective of the whale. The novel follows Bathsheba, a fearsome and intelligent female whale who serves as the second-in-command of a pod that hunts humans.
They are on a mission to find and kill a legendary enemy known as Toby Wick, who has been terrorizing their kind for generations. Along the way, Bathsheba and her pod encounter a human boy named Samuel, who they capture and bring aboard their ship.
Bathsheba develops a complicated relationship with Samuel, who challenges her beliefs about humans and their place in the world. Nesss writing is stunning and poetic, with vivid imagery that draws the reader into the underwater world of the whales.
Bathsheba is a fascinating and complex protagonist, with layers of emotion and trauma that are gradually revealed throughout the story. Samuel is also a compelling character, whose innocence and curiosity provide a stark contrast to the brutal and violent world of the whales.
At its core, And the Ocean Was Our Sky is a story about the dangers of blind fanaticism and the importance of empathy and understanding. Ness crafts a compelling narrative that raises important questions about the nature of identity, power, and morality.
The novel is also a timely exploration of themes related to colonialism, racism, and environmental destruction, which have become increasingly relevant in todays society. While the book is certainly ambitious and well-written, it may not be for everyone.
The unconventional narrative structure and experimental style may not appeal to readers who prefer more traditional storytelling. Additionally, the books philosophical themes may feel heavy-handed or preachy to some readers.
Ultimately, And the Ocean Was Our Sky is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on a timeless story. Its stunning writing, complex characters, and timely themes make it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and those interested in exploring important issues through storytelling.
I would give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
