Whale Fall

by Elizabeth O'Connor
Whale Fall cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1097
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781035024742
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2024-04-25
  • Formats: 34
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £14.99

Whale Fall is a haunting debut novel set on a remote island off the coast of Wales in 1938. Manod, the protagonist, finds herself at a crossroads: stay and care for her father's house in a landscape that drove her mother to madness, or marry and leave. Her life takes an intriguing turn when two English anthropologists arrive, presenting her with the possibility of a thrilling new existence. As she becomes entangled in their work and their complex relationship, the outside world she yearned for reveals itself to be far more sinister than she could have ever imagined. Elizabeth O'Connor's novel is a powerful exploration of longing and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of great change. Praised for its luminous precision and deep melody of loss, Whale Fall is a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Reviews
Elle Turp Pitt · Elle Turp Pitt · 2024-05-26
thought-provoking 3.50

The book is introspective and character-driven, which may not appeal to everyone. It is praised for its atmospheric setting and melancholic beauty.

The reviewer found the book to be introspective and character-driven, which may not appeal to everyone who prefers a faster-paced narrative. They noted that the book's strength lies in its atmospheric setting and melancholic beauty, which creates a haunting and thought-provoking experience. The reviewer appreciated the author's ability to evoke a sense of isolation and loss, but felt that the pacing might be too slow for some readers. Overall, they found the book to be a unique and emotionally resonant read.

Quick quotes

    This wasn't a bad book, but it's much more introspective, character and atmosphere driven than I usually like.

    I found it to be quite meandering.

    The book's strength lies in its atmospheric setting and melancholic beauty.

Books on the 747 · 2024-04-19
captivating 4.75

This book is captivating and heart-rendering, making it a one-session read. It is praised for its emotional depth and engaging narrative.

The reviewer found the book to be captivating and heart-rendering, making it a one-session read. They were deeply moved by the emotional depth and engaging narrative, which kept them hooked from start to finish. The reviewer appreciated the author's ability to create a rich and immersive world, filled with complex characters and poignant moments. They also noted that the book's exploration of themes such as loss and isolation is particularly compelling, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    What a captivating, heart-rendering book Whale Fall is.

    I sat down to read and didn't stop, it was a one session read for me.

    The book's exploration of themes such as loss and isolation is particularly compelling.

The Guardian · 2024-04-18
haunting 4.25

The book is haunting and evocative, exploring deep themes of social dynamics with a unique approach. It stands out for its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth.

The reviewer found the book to be a haunting and evocative debut that delves into the dark undercurrents of social dynamics. They appreciated the author's unique approach to storytelling, which is both atmospheric and emotionally resonant. The book is praised for its ability to explore larger themes in a way that feels both personal and universal, making it a memorable read. The reviewer also noted that the book's setting and character development are particularly strong, adding to its overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Elizabeth O'Connor's evocative and haunting debut seeks to do something different with the formula, exploring the larger themes of social dynamics.

    The book is a haunting and evocative debut that delves into the dark undercurrents of social dynamics.

    The author's unique approach to storytelling is both atmospheric and emotionally resonant.

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