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Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

I have just completed reading Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.  The  novel was first published in 1851 by Melville.  Moby-Dick is now often referred to as the "Great American Novel" and is considered one of the treasures of world literature.  The story tells the adventures of the wandering sailor Ishmael and his voyage on the whaling ship Pequod commanded by Captain Ahab.  The novel reveals Melville's love of whalemen, whaling, whaling ships, and whales.

Melville's work is often considered the embodiment of American Romanticism.  The first line of Chapter One—"Call me Ishmael."—is one of the most famous opening lines in American literature. Although the book initially received mixed reviews, Moby-Dick is now considered one of the greatest novels in the English languages and has secured Melville's place among America's greatest writers.

To be honest, I have not been impressed by Melville's work.  For me his style is rambling, and he often launches into lengthy descriptions that do not add to the flow of the narrative, though they broaden the reader's understanding of sailing and whales.  The novel is about thirty percent story, thirty-five percent biology text, and thirty-five percent National Geographic article.

This is the fifth of Melville's novels that I have read.  For me he does not compare to similar works such as the Hornblower series by C.S. Lewis or the Master and Commander series by Patrick O'Brien.

The True Calling of the Clergy

"Is not this as it ought to be?  Since the true calling of the reverend clergy is like their divine Master's; - not to bring the righteous, but sinners to repentance.  Did some of them leave the converted and comfortable congregations, before whom they have ministered year after year; and plunge at once, like St. Paul, into the infected centers and hearts of vice; then, indeed, would they find a strong enemy to cope with; and a victory gained over him, would entitle them to a conqueror's wreath.  Better to save one sinner from an obvious vice that is destroying him, than to indoctrinate ten thousand saints.  And as from every corner, in Catholic towns, the shrines of Holy Mary and the Child Jesus perpetually remind the commonest wayfarer of his heaven; even so should Protestant pulpits be founded in the market-places, and at street corners, where the men of God might be heard by all of His children."  - Herman Melville, Redburn: His First Voyage

"Mardi" by Herman Melville

I just completed Mardi, by Herman Melville, and I can share the disappointment that was expressed by the first readers of the book that was published in 1849.  Melville's first two works, Typee and Omoo were autobiographical and had a solid narrative flow and story line, though the author did tend toward lengthy descriptions of the islands and people of the South Seas.  Mardi, begins as a simple narrative with a promising story, but soon melts into a collection of philisophical discourses and poetic ramblings that are loosely held together by the meandering search for a mysterious maiden.  The novel does not end, it simply quits.

I hope the next novel that I read by Melville will be worth the effort.  Mardi was a book I could not wait to put down.

"Omoo" by Herman Melville

Omoo: A Narrative of the South Seas is Herman Melville's sequel to Typee, and, as such, was also autobiographical. After leaving Nuku Hiva, the main character ships aboard a whaling vessel which makes its way to Tahiti, after which there is a mutiny and the majority of the crew are imprisoned on Tahiti. The book follows the actions of the narrator as he explores Tahiti and remarks on their customs and way of life.  Omoo was first published in 1847.

The book is an interesting look at life on the South Pacific islands in the 1800s.  The narrative is as easy-going as life on the islands.

Though Omoo is more driven by the narrative of the author than Typee, it still provides Melville with vehicle for expressing his admiration for native life and criticism for the invasive Western culture.  The book was an enjoyable and diverting read.  Melville tones down his negative view of westernizing influences compared to his previous work.  It is devoid of any real deep moral lesson and may be read simply for its entertainment value.  Melville paints beautiful and humorous pictures with his words.

For the life of me, however, I cannot recollect why the title, Omoo! 

"Typee" by Herman Melville

I have just completed Typee: A Peep at Polynnesian Life by Herman Melville.  The work was the first to be published by Melville (in 1846) and was one of his more commercially successful.

The book is partly based on Melville's own adventures as a sailor in the South Seas and his captivity by natives on the island of Nuku Hiva (Nukuheva in the novel) in the Marquesas Islands.  The title comes from the Tai Pi valley on the island.

The story line is interesting, but is slowed by Melville's explanations of native life - a life that he experienced and admires in his writings.  He interweaves mostly negative commentary on Western civilization and its impact on the native culture.

Melville's style in this popular, but initially shocking, novel reveals a dry wit.  The humor of the author comes through mostly in his characterizations and comments of both cultures.

The book was a an entertaining read that would be appropriate for teens.

"A Journal of the Plague Year" by Daniel Defoe

"A Journal of the Plague Year" is an historical novel of the plague of The Black Death that swept through London in 1665.  Defoe himself lived through this event and published this work in 1722.

"The Journal" is considered to be the first historical novel - that is, a fictional account of an historical event.  Historical fiction is an author's attempt based on considerable research (or in Defoe's case, personal experience) to tell a story set in the historical past.

"The Journal" is of historical and literary value, but the story itself is quite plodding.  It is a difficult read - especially for those looking for entertainment.