The Whale: A Love Story

I was instantly intrigued by the premise of this book - the possibility that the brief but intense friendship of Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne while Melville was writing Moby Dick was romantic rather than platonic. I always enjoy books that bring to life the relationships between famous authors, but this one was particularly captivating due to its intensity of feeling. It would have been nice to have a bit more of Hawthorne's perspective in the narrative, but writing the story through Melville's eyes created more parallels to Moby Dick. All in all an entertaining piece of historical fiction that fans of the classic authors will enjoy.

Mark Beauregard relies upon careful research and a bit of imagination to tell the story of Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne, two writers who meet and become close friends during the time Melville is grappling with the writing of his novel Moby Dick. Because both men were writers, there is much written evidence—letters, diaries—to draw upon. Scholars have always known that Melville and Hawthorne inspired each other and became close, but Beauregard goes further and makes their relationship a love story. It feels true and believable, with Melville, with his experiences in the South Seas and his daring in writing, as the pursuer, and Hawthorne, with his emphasis on sin in his wiring, the reluctant lover.

It's a perfect side for a Moby Dick entree.