I just could not get into this book! It was extremely slow moving, and I just didn't like the characters so I didn't finish it.

This was a beautiful grumpy old men kind of book. Centered around the hunt for the greenland shark, there was just so much more going on in this tale of casually paced and steady adventure. Nothing seems to happen quickly, but then life never stops happening. This was the true magic of this tale, the way the story progressed without ever coming to a true conclusion, just another page in the story of life.

It was told in an honest voice, the kind that I could almost hear chattering in my ear as I lounged on the beach reading my kindle. Waves crashing, wind blowing, and the prattling words of a man who had so much to teach me, and me with a desire to keep listening. The book ended, leaving me feeling lonely, as if I had had to say goodbye to an old friend far too soon, with no idea when I'd see them again.

As someone who is fascinated by sharks, this tale of two men waiting for the perfect weather conditions to find and an elusive shark in a remote area of the world appealed to me. I loved meeting and hanging out with these men, learning about the maritime history and biological diversity of the area, and getting a vicarious glimpse into the shark that had lured the author onto this adventure.

I requested the award-winning SHARK DRUNK by Morten Stroksnes because I was hoping that it would appeal to readers who had enjoyed Robert Kurson's Shadow Divers. Unfortunately, I do not think that this story about hunting for sharks has quite as much appeal. Both the title and subtitle ("The Art of Catching a Large Shark from a Tiny Rubber Dinghy in a Big Ocean") promised a certain tongue in cheek wit and style, but for me the largely descriptive text more readily mirrored the rather monochromatic cover. However, Publishers Weekly gave SHARK DRUNK a starred review and Booklist called it "utterly unique" so if you think this adventure filled with observations on friendship and ocean creatures will intrigue you, give it a try.

The Lofoten Islands in Norway is the beautiful setting for this book. Best friends Morten Strøksnes, (author) and Hugo Aasjord, an artist, have decided that they need to try and catch a Greenland shark, which can be up to 26 feet long and weigh a ton, from a small inflatable dinghy.
I don't know if I would have picked out this book if it wasn't offered to me as I am not really interested in fishing and am a bit scared of the ocean, but I am so glad that I read it. I is really a fascinating read. The story is not only about the author and Hugo's long time friendship and their joint quest to catch this shark, but it became a wonderful history lesson in just about everything. The author did a lot of research for this book and the facts, myths and legends intermingled with their recollections and stories of their youth, give us quite a feel for what goes on around them as they silently wait in their small boat for a sign of the shark.
I love the facts that he gives us, about sea life, ecology, biology, astronomy etc. plus the legends of the wonderful folklore of the area. He gives us a feeling of the different time periods, authors, artist, you name it he covers it.
I wish I had had a class in school that was so readable and interesting to follow.
I love Morten and Hugo's honest and relatable friendship, both easy and intense and their shared interest in the sea.
I may have a bit more respect for the the sea, but still have maybe a bit more fear for what I cannot see beneath the water, at least now I know a bit more of the fascinating life that goes on down below.
I want to thank NetGalley and Knopf Publishing group for the ARC of this book.