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Ahab’s Wife (Abridged): Or, The Star-Gazer Audiobook
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(4.00) - 18,591 listener ratings
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"Captain Ahab was neither my first husband nor my last."
This is destined to be remembered as one of the most-recognized first sentences in literature—along with "Call me Ishmael"—and Una Spenser, the transcendent hero at the center of Ahab's Wife, may well become every bit as memorable as Ahab.
Inspired by a brief passage, in Moby-Dick, Sena Jeter Naslund has created an entirely new universe—an epic-scale, enthralling, and compelling saga, spanning a full, rich, eventful, and dramatic life. In the "soprano voice" whose absence critics lamented in Moby-Dick—the strong intelligent voice of a woman whose life is dominated by the sea—Naslund tells many stories.
She narrates a family drama, as the child Una is sent away to live in a lighthouse to escape the blows of her religion-mad father. She spins a romantic adventure, as Una finds early passion with a sailor, and disguised as a cabin boy runs away to sea. She paints a portrait of a real, loving marriage, as through Una's eyes we see Ahab before the White Whale takes his leg and sends him into madness. Finally, she gives us a new perspective on the American experience, as the widowed Una makes a new life for herself in the company of Margaret Fuller, Frederick Douglass, Emerson, and others.
Sena Jeter Naslund has thoroughly imbibed the spirit of Herman Melville, and that spirit permeates every scene of her novel. But great as her debt to Melville may be, Ahab's Wife stands alone, intact and vital. Inspired by a masterpiece, it is a masterwork in its own right.
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"In spite of being long and written in the style of 19th Century American literature this is an absolutely fascinating novel. Starting from the one paragraph in Moby Dick which mentions Ahab's wife and son, it creates a story of the kind of woman who might have been his wife and describes the world she would have lived in. A good read for anyone who is interested in pre-Civil War American history."
— Richard (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Naslund has taken less than a paragraph’s worth of references to the captain’s young wife from Herman Melville’s 'Moby-Dick' and fashioned from this slender rib not only a woman but an entire world.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“Packed with heartbreaking struggle and richly imagined characters, including wonderful cameo appearances from a host of historical figures. Una’s tumultuous story contains enough tragedy and triumph for a dozen novels. This is the kind of epic you sink into and willingly get lost in. Yes—I can’t resist—it’s a whale of a book.”
— Christian Science Monitor -
“A deliciously old-fashioned bildungsroman, adventure story, and romance…with a suspenseful, affecting, historically accurate, and seductive narrative…Una is an enchanting protagonist: intellectually curious, sensitive, imaginative, and kind…A splendid novel that amply fulfills its ambitious purpose, offering a sweeping yet intimate picture of a remarkable woman who both typifies and transcends her times.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“A ravishingly detailed re-creation of the worlds of nineteenth-century antebellum America and of Melville’s seminal Moby-Dick…A genuine epic of America: an inspired homage to one of our greatest writers that brilliantly reinterprets, and in many ways rivals, his masterpiece.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Ahab’s Wife Listener Reviews
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" one of the best books i have ever read. novel written in poetry prose! "
— Lauryll, 2/16/2014 -
" Loved this - got a little long, and moments a bit ridiculous (survived in ocean by being a cannibal?) but overall, loved it. A tribute to my friend Sue :-) "
— Cathy, 2/11/2014 -
" A little hard to get into and could have ended a little sooner, but the middle 300 pages is absolutely amazing. Poetic writing and scandalous events make for a great read. "
— Erika, 2/3/2014 -
" A great perspective on a classic story. "
— Randi, 2/2/2014 -
" This book was a departure for me. I typically had read either science non-fiction books or science related thrillers written by men. A book by a female author without twists and turns was an eye opener. "
— Kristel, 1/22/2014 -
" Sad but beautiful! "
— Tami, 1/19/2014 -
" Fabulous sequel to Moby Dick - surprised it has not been, to my knowledge, made into a movie. "
— Courtney, 1/15/2014 -
" Want to read it again. "
— Lili, 12/26/2013 -
" This is a captivating book from the point of view of Captain Ahab's wife. Her story is intricate and personal. Sena Jeter Naslund has a beautiful way of writing...almost poetic. One I'll read over and over. "
— Kate, 12/15/2013 -
" Beautifully written book. Even if you've never read MOBY DICK (Captain Ahab and the white whale classic) you will enjoy this story from the point of view of Ahab's wife. "
— T.k., 12/9/2013 -
" This book was a very complex read for me. I was so depressed at times that I wanted to throw it across the room and shout, "No more!" But even with all the mixed feelings, I continued on and was able to finish. Looking back on it now even with the somber mood, it was a very good read. "
— Margaret, 12/2/2013 -
" Very long and very poetic. I loved the time frame and the story was good, but when it takes a whole page to describe the color of the ocean and how it makes her feel... too detailed made the story line slow. "
— Shellene, 11/26/2013 -
" Contemporary issues dealt with a somewhat fantasmagorical journey of a young girl coming into womanhood and all it entails. The journeys literal, intellectual and sexual are stratling and enthralling. I loved this novel. "
— Anne, 11/19/2013 -
" Very Good book, I enjoyed the whole book front to back. Very Glad I bought it. "
— Belle, 10/17/2013 -
" This was given to mr by a friend when I found myself having to recover from surgery. It is not an easy read, but so enjoyable. "
— Jeanne, 5/13/2013 -
" i finished it. but a bit of the romance novel for me. "
— Tory, 1/8/2013 -
" I, unexpectedly, really liked this book. There were several slower parts, and it is a serious and intense read, but there was a lot to keep me reading. "
— Meghan, 7/17/2012 -
" When this book ended I was devastated because I had been living in it. "
— Anna, 5/2/2012 -
" Haven't finished reading this book yet... had to stop at the Cannibalism scene... was a bit much for me, but looking forward to finishing it, and also would like to read Moby Dick with it. "
— Elliat, 3/28/2012 -
" I don't know if I like the way this author writes, it's a little flowery. We'll see. "
— Natalie, 2/9/2012 -
" Took me a long time to read, since I've been super busy this fall, but loved it nevertheless. A story of an incredibly interesting woman's life. I've always hesitated to read it, since I have nightmares about reading Moby Dick in high school. But of course, this is nothing like. "
— Lyra, 2/6/2012 -
" This is a super story and wonderfully written. It is a hard read for me but I am enjoying the story and I never read Moby Dick...but may have to now. "
— Akrista, 1/29/2012 -
" This book came up on my suggested list and I remembered that I read this book a long time ago. I don't remember a lot of details, but I know I liked the book. FYI, I cried while reading this book - it has some very sad parts. "
— Kathryn, 11/26/2011 -
" One of my all time favorites. "
— Jill, 6/7/2011 -
" I haven't read Moby Dick but this seems a well-crafted tribute. The writing style and depth of character seems consistent with what little I know of the original. It's a long winding life story, be prepared for a patient journey; every detail is interesting and rings true. Immersive and epic. "
— Nancy, 5/28/2011 -
" I wanted to like this book but I just couldn't get myself to finish it. I kept waiting for <em>something</em> to happen in the book. Una was so passive throughout the part that I read. I became bored and couldn't continue to try to find interest in it. "
— Jenny, 5/25/2011 -
" Never like Moby Dick. Loved this novel. <br/> <br/>The characters are very interesting and the story lingered for a long time after I finished the book. "
— Karen, 5/4/2011 -
" The book had a strong start, but fell flat at the end. I would still recommend it, though. Now I have added Nantucket to my list of "must see" places. "
— Liz, 5/3/2011 -
" I was captivated immediately. I took a long time reading this because I continually re-read passages and pages. What a treat! "
— Ramona, 5/2/2011 -
" Very complex story that intrigued me thoughout. "
— Gayle, 4/25/2011 -
" I loved this book. Sena Jeter Naslund is an extraordinary writer. "
— Lorie, 4/16/2011 -
" I read this book quite a while ago so it's not fresh in my mind. I remember the story being really good but lacking somehow. You'll have to refresh my memory when you're done reading. "
— Gail, 4/8/2011
About Sena Jeter Naslund
Sena Jeter Naslund has enjoyed a rich literary career as an award-winning author, professor, and editor. Her books have received critical acclaim including the prestigious Harper Lee Award. In addition to numerous novels and two collections of short stories, her fiction has appeared in several publications. A professor since 1972, she was awarded the first ever Distinguished Teaching Professor honor from the University of Louisville as well as endowments from multiple art councils.