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Cynthia Reeves, the Author of “The Last Whaler” has an intriguing and heartbreaking Historical Novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, World War Two Historical Fiction, and Historical Fantasy. The timeline for this story is set in 1937, and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the characters and events. The story is set in Norway, and in the Arctic by a whaling station. In this well-researched book, the author describes the tragedy of World War Two, and the devastating effects. The author vividly describes the landscapes and the dark ,complex and complicated characters, and the life of a whaler and his wife in the Arctic in the winter.
Astrid’s career was in botany and flora, and it became a hobby when she had children in Norway Her husband Tor, is a beluga whaler, and leaves for long periods of time to do his livelihood. After losing their son, Astrid decides to accompany Tor on one of his trips. Unfortunately they miss the opportunity to go back home, and struggle to survive the cold wilderness of the Arctic, as well as the fear of Polar Bears and other wildlife. Their daughter is left with parents, and Astrid religiously writes to her. Astrid discovers that she is pregnant, and this isolation is problematic.
After Astrid’s death, Tor discovers letters that she wrote to their deceased son. He revisits the whaling station for closure. I appreciate that the author discusses Postpartum depression, and mental instability. The author mentions the importance of family, friends, neighbors, survival skills, courage, and hope. I recommend this intriguing book to others. I do have a warning, those sensitive to topics such as suicide, and animal lovers, should know that these are some of the topics in the book.
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