Title: Shark Drunk: The Art of Catching a Large Shark from a Tiny Rubber Dinghy in a Big Ocean
Author: Morten A. Strøksnes
First published October 28, 2015
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780451493484 (ISBN10: 0451493486)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
For those who seek adventure and are fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean, Shark Drunk: The Art of Catching a Large Shark from a Tiny Rubber Dinghy in a Big Ocean by Morten A. Strøksnes is a captivating read.
Join Morten and his friend Hugo as they embark on a daring quest to catch the Greenland shark, a creature that can live up to 200 years and weigh over a tonne. Along the way, they encounter the best and worst nature has to offer, and confront existential questions about life and the universe.
Drawing on science, poetry, history, ecology, and mythology, Shark Drunk is an enchanting tale of obsession and wonder, and a tribute to the majestic and awe-inspiring power of the sea. Readers who enjoyed Bill Bryson’s works and The Snow Leopard will find themselves mesmerized by this salty story of friendship, adventure, and the explosive life that teems beneath the ocean.
About the Author
Meet Morten Strøksnes – a multi-talented Norwegian historian, journalist, photographer, and writer. He’s a prolific author, having penned reportage, essays, portraits, columns, and reviews for leading Norwegian newspapers and magazines.
With four highly acclaimed books of literary reportage under his belt, he’s also contributed to several others.
Editoral Review
Shark Drunk: The Art of Catching a Large Shark from a Tiny Rubber Dinghy in a Big Ocean, written by Morten A. Strøksnes, is a unique and captivating book that blends memoir, nature writing, and adventure storytelling.
This book, published on October 28, 2015, is an exploration of the author’s obsession with catching a Greenland shark, a rare and elusive creature that lives in the depths of the ocean.
Strøksnes, a Norwegian writer and journalist, takes the reader on a journey through the waters of northern Norway, where he and his friend, Hugo Aasjord, spend months trying to catch a shark using traditional methods. The book is not just about the hunt for the shark, but also about the history, culture, and mythology of the region, as well as the environmental issues that threaten its delicate ecosystem.
The author’s writing style is poetic and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the rugged landscape and the unpredictable sea. He weaves together personal anecdotes, scientific facts, and philosophical musings in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
The book is not just a memoir, but also a meditation on the mysteries of the ocean and the human desire for adventure and discovery.
The main characters of the book are Strøksnes himself and his friend, Aasjord, who is a seasoned fisherman and an expert in the local fishing traditions. The book is also populated by a cast of colorful and eccentric characters, such as a local shaman, a group of Japanese tourists, and a group of Norwegian scientists.
The setting of the book is the remote and harsh landscape of northern Norway, where the sea is both a source of life and a source of danger.
One of the strengths of the book is its rich and detailed descriptions of the natural world. Strøksnes has a deep knowledge and appreciation of the marine environment, and he shares this with the reader in a way that is both informative and poetic.
He describes the different species of fish, the behavior of the sharks, and the changing colors of the sea with a vividness that is almost cinematic.
Another strength of the book is its exploration of the cultural and historical context of the region. Strøksnes delves into the myths and legends of the sea, as well as the traditions of the local fishermen.
He also touches on the political and environmental issues that affect the region, such as overfishing and climate change.
One weakness of the book is its slow pacing. The author spends a lot of time describing the process of catching a shark, which can be repetitive and tedious at times.
Also, the book is not a traditional narrative with a clear plot or structure, which may be off-putting for some readers.
Overall, Shark Drunk is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will appeal to readers who are interested in nature, adventure, and culture. It is a book that rewards close reading and contemplation, as it raises important questions about our relationship with the natural world.
While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate lyrical writing and unconventional storytelling will find it a rewarding read.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the sea, marine life, or environmental issues. It is also a great book for anyone who enjoys memoirs and travel writing.
I give Shark Drunk a rating of 8 out of 10, based on its literary quality, originality, and relevance.
