Moby-Dick

by Herman Melville
Moby-Dick cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Adventure
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  • ID: 10433
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-25
  • ISBN: 9781904633778
  • Publisher: Collector's Library
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In the classic tale of obsession and adventure, Ishmael, a wandering sailor, finds himself aboard the whaling ship Pequod under the command of the monomaniacal Captain Ahab. Ahab is driven by a singular purpose: to hunt down and kill Moby Dick, the massive white whale that took his leg. Alongside Ishmael is Queequeg, a tattooed South Sea islander and harpooner, whose friendship with Ishmael forms a central bond in the narrative. The Pequod's crew, a diverse and colorful group, sets sail on a journey that becomes a metaphorical quest for vengeance and the ultimate confrontation with nature's indomitable forces. /n/nHerman Melville's 'Moby-Dick' is not just a story of a whale hunt; it is a profound exploration of good and evil, fate and free will, and the human condition. The novel's rich language, intricate symbolism, and detailed descriptions of whaling life make it a timeless masterpiece of American literature. Ishmael's narrative voice and the philosophical musings of the characters add depth to the adventure, making 'Moby-Dick' a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Matthew Puddister - Substack · Matthew Puddister · 2022-01-01
engaging 4.00

Moby Dick is an absorbing read, offering a mix of thoughtfulness, excitement, and humor. It provides a deep dive into the human mind and its comparison to the vastness of the sea.

Matthew Puddister finds Moby Dick to be an engaging and multifaceted novel that keeps readers hooked with its blend of intellectual depth, thrilling moments, and moments of levity. They highlight the book's unique ability to explore the complexities of the human mind and draw parallels to the vast, unpredictable nature of the sea. This reviewer appreciates the novel's rich descriptions and its capacity to entertain and enlighten simultaneously. They see it as a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    Moby Dick turns out to be an absorbing read—at turns thoughtful, exciting, informative, and yes, even funny.

    It provides a deep dive into the human mind and its comparison to the vastness of the sea.

    The novel's rich descriptions and its capacity to entertain and enlighten simultaneously make it a timeless work.

The Guardian · 2020-05-21
insightful 4.50

It's a fabulous slow-burn, the tension rising and falling with the seas ventured. The novel's exploration of hope, love, and fear makes it a perfect fit for our times.

This reviewer finds Moby-Dick to be a masterful slow-burn that beautifully captures the ebb and flow of tension, much like the sea itself. They believe the novel's themes of hope, love, and fear are timeless and particularly resonant in today's world. The depth of the narrative and its exploration of the human condition make it a compelling read. They appreciate the way Melville's words have the power to alter one's perspective and language.

Quick quotes

    It's a fabulous slow-burn (654 pages plus illustrations), the tension rising and falling with the seas ventured.

    The novel's exploration of hope, love, and fear makes it a perfect fit for our times.

    Melville's words have sublimated my soul, and sought to alter the very language I use to express myself.

TTRPBC · 2018-12-12
enthralling 5.00

Moby-Dick is an enthralling and complex novel that deserves a 5 out of 5 rating. It offers a unique and vivid portrayal of a madman's pursuit against the unknowable sea.

This reviewer is thoroughly captivated by Moby-Dick, describing it as an enthralling and complex novel that warrants a perfect score. They are particularly impressed by the vivid and unique portrayal of a madman's relentless pursuit against the vast and unpredictable sea. The reviewer finds the novel's depth and intricacy to be unparalleled, making it a standout piece of literature. They believe the book's exploration of the human psyche and its vivid descriptions make it a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature.

Quick quotes

    It is an enthralling and complex novel that deserves a 5 out of 5 rating.

    It offers a unique and vivid portrayal of a madman's pursuit against the unknowable sea.

    The novel's depth and intricacy are unparalleled, making it a standout piece of literature.

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