In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex

Philbrick also has a little trouble pacing the book in such a way as to keep the suspense up properly, although the material is naturally suspenseful, of course. Also, at times, the book seems to be improperly edited: the exposition isn't quite logical. Before the wreck, for example, one of the sailors jumps ship, and the author says that this happened at a particularly bad time, since the crew was now dangerously short. But he also says jumping ship was very common. So, was it the captain's fault for not being prepared for such an eventuality? Things like that - you don't quite understand the rationale.

I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in the topic (though I didn't read, and can't compare it to, the diary of the first mate, Mr. Chase, that another reviewer has recommended as superior.)

If you want to read only one book on shipwreck survival, the best one I've read is "The Wreck of the Medusa" by Alexander McKee.


Riveting, harrowing account--terrifying and gripping   May 29, 2000
OldBookGuy (Missouri)
38 out of 40 found this review helpful

After reading and re-reading Junger's The Perfect Storm last summer, I wondered if it were only a fluke that a land-lover like myself could become so engrossed in a maritime yarn. After reading In the Heart of the Sea, it is clear that this was no fluke. With little to no experience with nautical life, I was quickly caught up in this drama at sea.

Like Junger, Philbrick recounts a historical, nonfiction tale with the drama and tension exceeding much of today's bestselling fiction. His attention to detail gives a documentary feel and paints a vivid portrait of the struggle of survival. Specifically, I was continually impressed with the way Philbrick wove the specific details of whale hunting and sailing with the driving narrative--a narrative that will keep the pages turning quickly.

In addition, Philbrick writes with a keen sense of imagery, pulling the reader into the story by appealing to all senses. As a result, the reader finds him/herself caught up in the drama and excitement of the hunt, filled with dread as the situation looks hopeless, aghast at the suffering, and finally, contemplative of the decisions made.

There are no easy answers to the questions raised by this book. Instead, the drama offers a chance to consider and reconsider the drive of survival and the human spirit. Narratives of life and death situations are almost inherently gripping; however, because of Philbrick's skills as a writer, this book does more than entertain--it provokes thought, raising issues that do not end with the final page.


A gripping story of men lost at sea   May 26, 2000
Robert Oliver (Salt Lake City, Utah)
183 out of 190 found this review helpful

There have been many great stories of survival and tragedy on the seas, and this book is one of the best of them. At one time the story of the Whaleship Essex was well known in America, but gradually that story faded into memory. Nathaniel Philbrick brings that memory back to life again with his very well written book. The main events in this book took place in the time period of 1819-1821. The Essex was based on Nantucket Island, and in the first part of the book there is a very interesting history of Nantucket and the Whaling Trade. Enough information is given so that we understand the world that the men of the Essex lived in, and the ordeal that lay before them. The Essex was believed to be a lucky ship, but that reputation of good luck would soon be overwhelmed at sea. After several months at sea, the Essex was attacked and rammed by an eighty-five foot whale. It is fascinating to read about the attack of the giant whale on the ship, and to realize that the attacking whale was the actual basis for the whale in "Moby Dick". The Essex was severely damaged and in danger of sinking after the whale attack, and the crew faced the grim prospect of a desperate journey in open boats across the Pacific Ocean. The story of their battle for survival with little food or hope of rescue will grip your heart. Terrible choices of survival had to be made, and there are graphic accounts of starvation and cannibalism in the book. This is truly the story of a great tragedy at sea, but there is also the hope and endurance that can sometimes be found even in the darkest moments. There are moments of wonder with thoughts and descriptions of whales and the ever changing sea. I recommend this book to everyone that loves the history of the Sea, and the spirit of survival against all odds.


Exemplary Story Telling   May 26, 2000
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

Having never read "Moby Dick", I wondered if this book could hold my interest. Boy, was I wrong! A masterful work of historical narrative that ranks right up there with "A Perfect Storm" and "Into Thin Air", I was spellbound by the story of The Essex and the plight of her crew...highly recommended regardless of your nautical prowess!