I received an advance-release copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
What a satisfying read. An excellent combination of Christian women’s fiction and literary historical fiction. The story behind Melville’s Moby Dick becomes something entirely different when told from the female point of view. Day to day life on Nantucket for the wives and children of the men on whaling voyages carried its own struggles and victories. Powell gives us a warm and heartfelt look at them though characters that resonate with strength and hope.

Interesting tale on the true account story of Captain Owen Chase from the whaling ship Essex battered by a huge sperm whale in the 1820s, A religious and god fearing family from Nantucket, are put to the test with family tragedy, harshness of their environment and long separations from their beloved father. Chase suffers from the traumatic memories of the tragedy and never really gets over it. Despite this, there are uplifting moments of close family relationships and friendships. Felt quite emotional as I finished it as I’d built a relationship with the characters. Fascinated to read the original account inspired Melville’s take of Moby Dick. Visited the Cape Cod area last year so this inspired me to read the book.