Ahab’s Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund: Book Review

Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund Book Cover

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Ahab's Wife Book Cover

5 Stars

Synopsis from the book cover:

From the opening line–“Captain Ahab was neither my first husband nor my last”–you will know that you are in the hands of a master storyteller and in the company of a fascinating woman hero.  Inspired by a brief passage in Moby-Dick, Sena Jeter Naslund has created an enthralling and compellingly readable saga, spanning a rich, eventful, and dramatic life.  At once a family drama, a romantic adventure, and a portrait of a real and loving marriage, Ahab’s Wife gives a new perspective on the American experiences. 

I have to confess that my aunt handed me this, telling me that it was the story of that Ahab’s wife, and I quailed a little.  My junior year English teacher didn’t even make us read Moby-Dick and instead let us get away with watching the movie version with Patrick Stewart.  No way did I want to read a book about his wife.  But I trust all my aunts’ reading recommendations, so I gave it a shot.

And I fell in love.  Ahab has only a very small part in this book, and Una is very much her own independent, strong-willed woman.  She has her own adventures and heartaches and she’s a character you will never forget.  I highly recommend this for historical fiction readers and those who like their women to be ahead of their time.  It’s amazing.

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5 Comments

  1. The Hunger Games trilogy are some great ones, Heather, and I'm not typically a fan of dystopian lit.

    Thanks for stopping by!

  2. BTW, I should have a review of both books up in a day or so, you can find them at bookaddictreview dot blogspot dot com

  3. I just finished The Hunger Games and its sequel, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. They are YA science fiction (really more post-apocalyptic), but there is a ton there for adults to enjoy. The story is compelling, the action is non-stop, and the plot twists had me constantly guessing what might happen next.

  4. Sounds like a good read! I hadn't heard of this one, so thanks for the recommendation.

    Your header photo is awesome!! 🙂

  5. I LOVED this book! And I think it has one of the very best first lines ever. It's been about 11 years since I read it and I still quote that line. I agree, it's long (and I also have never read Moby Dick and shudder at the thought) but I just couldn't put it down.

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