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Ripple: The Life that Changed the Universe
In a past, distant beyond all human imagining, an ancient and exhausted spirit is granted one last opportunity to achieve the mysterious goal it has pursued throughout its hundreds of previous lives. Powerful forces of The Universe sentence the spirit to life as the female dolphin Ripple, on the planet Azure, (Earth) in the faint hope that such a life-form and environment will provide the conditions she requires to succeed. Recently, those same divine forces have decreed that humans must hear the defining story of their planet. This book is that story.
182 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2011
15 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Tui Allen
2 books51 followersTui Allen - Author of Ripple and Dolphin Melody
Tui Allen is a writer whose love for the ocean, its mysteries, and its creatures fuels the heart of her stories. In her debut novel, Ripple, Tui captivated readers with a tale that earned glowing reviews for its depth, emotional resonance, and unforgettable characters. Praised for its lush writing and a gripping narrative, Ripple set the stage for Tui’s storytelling journey.
Her latest work, Dolphin Melody, is already receiving early praise for its evocative prose and the enchanting bond between its characters and the natural world. With a backdrop of stunning coastal landscapes and themes of love, healing, and self-discovery, Dolphin Melody promises to be a heartwarming adventure for readers who are drawn to stories about the sea and the power of connection.
When Tui isn’t writing, you’ll find her out in her kayak, observing marine life, or soaking up inspiration from the waves. As an author, she believes in the healing power of storytelling and the importance of finding beauty in even the most challenging of circumstances. Her books are perfect for readers who enjoy stories full of heart, hope, and the untold magic of the ocean.
Stay connected with Tui on social media for updates, new releases, and insights into her creative process.
Tui Allen is a writer whose love for the ocean, its mysteries, and its creatures fuels the heart of her stories. In her debut novel, Ripple, Tui captivated readers with a tale that earned glowing reviews for its depth, emotional resonance, and unforgettable characters. Praised for its lush writing and a gripping narrative, Ripple set the stage for Tui’s storytelling journey.
Her latest work, Dolphin Melody, is already receiving early praise for its evocative prose and the enchanting bond between its characters and the natural world. With a backdrop of stunning coastal landscapes and themes of love, healing, and self-discovery, Dolphin Melody promises to be a heartwarming adventure for readers who are drawn to stories about the sea and the power of connection.
When Tui isn’t writing, you’ll find her out in her kayak, observing marine life, or soaking up inspiration from the waves. As an author, she believes in the healing power of storytelling and the importance of finding beauty in even the most challenging of circumstances. Her books are perfect for readers who enjoy stories full of heart, hope, and the untold magic of the ocean.
Stay connected with Tui on social media for updates, new releases, and insights into her creative process.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 26, 2012
Ripple will live with me forever. This is an astonishing work.
Tui has written a deeply moving story. I was unsure at first, but suspension of disbelief came very quickly. The descriptions are poetical and I shall be reading it a second (and probably 3rd and 4th time) just to fully appreciate the power of Tui's lyrical use of language. There are many passages that deserve to be savoured like a fine wine.
The various themes are woven effortlessly into a glowing tapestry. The love story grows around music, astronomy and mathematics, family love and support, the harsher realities of life, and the striving towards perfection.
This beautiful tale allowed me to live with the dolphins in their world, a world that extends from the deeps of our planet's oceans out into our galaxy and beyond. In their world the power of mind and spirit truly can achieve wonders, and we humans have a great deal to do if we are to catch up. This story is inspirational, and also a warning, shining a very harsh spotlight on human failings. I shall be recommending it to everyone I know. Bravo Tui!
Tui has written a deeply moving story. I was unsure at first, but suspension of disbelief came very quickly. The descriptions are poetical and I shall be reading it a second (and probably 3rd and 4th time) just to fully appreciate the power of Tui's lyrical use of language. There are many passages that deserve to be savoured like a fine wine.
The various themes are woven effortlessly into a glowing tapestry. The love story grows around music, astronomy and mathematics, family love and support, the harsher realities of life, and the striving towards perfection.
This beautiful tale allowed me to live with the dolphins in their world, a world that extends from the deeps of our planet's oceans out into our galaxy and beyond. In their world the power of mind and spirit truly can achieve wonders, and we humans have a great deal to do if we are to catch up. This story is inspirational, and also a warning, shining a very harsh spotlight on human failings. I shall be recommending it to everyone I know. Bravo Tui!
April 17, 2012
For me, I think it was the last chapter that transformed this book from something fascinating, unusual, well researched and imaginative into something extraordinary. I'm delighted to have read it.
August 10, 2012
This is a totally original story – of deities who allow spirits to return to life to achieve their ‘purpose.’ Ripple has been returned to earth as a dolphin, and we follow her quest to fulfill her destiny – an odyssey of seeking and learning to bring order out of chaos.
Beautifully written and impeccably edited, Tui Allen creates an underwater world filled with wonder, courage, and love. Very imaginative and deep; this story is a veritable symphony to the soul. Simply lovely.
Beautifully written and impeccably edited, Tui Allen creates an underwater world filled with wonder, courage, and love. Very imaginative and deep; this story is a veritable symphony to the soul. Simply lovely.
August 14, 2013
This is a beautiful book with a very clever idea for getting its message across. I found the ending to be quite a shock and not something I expected would happen. I will certainly look for ways to help dolphins stay safe in the future!
January 26, 2012
I have always had an affinity with dolphins and whales. I know that I was sketching a dolphin as my eldest daughter was born and I am very sad that for some reason I no longer have that picture to show her now that she is almost twice the age I was then.
One of the saddest books I have ever read is "The Last Whales" by Lloyd Abbey - I wish there were some way of making it compulsory reading for everyone on the planet so they would understand what we are doing to these beautiful, intelligent creatures which have been here for millions of years longer than humankind.
New Zealander Tui Allen has written an astonishing book which I believe will more easily become required reading because it is so attractive. Is Tui a dolphin? How has she managed to put herself into the mind of the cetacean? To tell a story of dolphins long ago, of course fighting their battles with other creatures of the sea to ensure their survival, but also living, learning, studying, developing sciences and skills which are later passed on to other creatures such as our own unworthy selves?
It has long been suspected by many that dolphins are at least as intelligent as humans, possibly more so, but that they lack the acquisitive genes which push us to property, wealth and wars. Tui takes us a step further down imagining their real lives, while still getting across the message that we are putting their very existence in danger and that they could be wiped out before we get the message of what they really are.
The lyrical and descriptive quality of the writing makes Tui's book something very special.
I would be very surprised if a major publisher or agent does not spot this book and elevate it to the wider audience it deserves.
Absolutely splendid, Tui.
One of the saddest books I have ever read is "The Last Whales" by Lloyd Abbey - I wish there were some way of making it compulsory reading for everyone on the planet so they would understand what we are doing to these beautiful, intelligent creatures which have been here for millions of years longer than humankind.
New Zealander Tui Allen has written an astonishing book which I believe will more easily become required reading because it is so attractive. Is Tui a dolphin? How has she managed to put herself into the mind of the cetacean? To tell a story of dolphins long ago, of course fighting their battles with other creatures of the sea to ensure their survival, but also living, learning, studying, developing sciences and skills which are later passed on to other creatures such as our own unworthy selves?
It has long been suspected by many that dolphins are at least as intelligent as humans, possibly more so, but that they lack the acquisitive genes which push us to property, wealth and wars. Tui takes us a step further down imagining their real lives, while still getting across the message that we are putting their very existence in danger and that they could be wiped out before we get the message of what they really are.
The lyrical and descriptive quality of the writing makes Tui's book something very special.
I would be very surprised if a major publisher or agent does not spot this book and elevate it to the wider audience it deserves.
Absolutely splendid, Tui.
October 7, 2015
(edited September 30, 2015)
I read this two years ago, and I see that it only has 99 ratings now. I'm sharing this review again, in hopes that others will discover the book, because it is intriguing and beautiful, in a mystical way.
(original review)
Every once in a while, a novel comes along that changes your perception of the world you live in. "Ripple" is such a book!
This is the most beautiful story, full of gorgeous prose and vivid imagery. It's the story of Ripple, a prehistoric dolphin who changed the universe for good. It's a fascinating blend of mysticism, spirituality, oceanic lore, and a love of animals.
"Ripple" is an exploration of the things we think we know about animals, but more importantly, the mysteries of the creatures with whom we share our world of which we have no clue. It's those beautiful secrets that could change our human world forever! If you love dolphins, you'll love this book, but once you've read the ending, you'll never look at things the same way again, EVER!
(As an aside, I would like to comment that for me personally, dolphins came alive in a way they never have before. I've never seen, or touched a dolphin, and as someone who's been totally blind since birth, it's sometimes difficult to develop a concept for an animal that I've had no opportunity to touch. The closest I ever got to imagining dolphins was by looking at toy dolphins. But with these glorious descriptions of their coloring, their bodies, the ways in which they swim, these creatures have become so much more real in my mind!)
I read this two years ago, and I see that it only has 99 ratings now. I'm sharing this review again, in hopes that others will discover the book, because it is intriguing and beautiful, in a mystical way.
(original review)
Every once in a while, a novel comes along that changes your perception of the world you live in. "Ripple" is such a book!
This is the most beautiful story, full of gorgeous prose and vivid imagery. It's the story of Ripple, a prehistoric dolphin who changed the universe for good. It's a fascinating blend of mysticism, spirituality, oceanic lore, and a love of animals.
"Ripple" is an exploration of the things we think we know about animals, but more importantly, the mysteries of the creatures with whom we share our world of which we have no clue. It's those beautiful secrets that could change our human world forever! If you love dolphins, you'll love this book, but once you've read the ending, you'll never look at things the same way again, EVER!
(As an aside, I would like to comment that for me personally, dolphins came alive in a way they never have before. I've never seen, or touched a dolphin, and as someone who's been totally blind since birth, it's sometimes difficult to develop a concept for an animal that I've had no opportunity to touch. The closest I ever got to imagining dolphins was by looking at toy dolphins. But with these glorious descriptions of their coloring, their bodies, the ways in which they swim, these creatures have become so much more real in my mind!)
June 25, 2013
This is a fantastic book, and one I highly recommend. It’s not an allegory, but rather a story that promotes dolphins as unique beings with their own methods of communication and life experiences. The characterization is strong with familiar archetypes that will pull you right into the dolphin world. It’s a hero’s journey that begins with overcoming adversity all the way up to self-mastery. It will make you look at dolphins a whole new way.
July 25, 2013
"Something in the Water"
Tui Allen's "Ripple" is a beautiful book, filled with charm and surprises and I am better off having read it, as a writer and as an occupant of Planet Earth.
It's a story about dolphins. OK, so I really did think I'd finished with dolphin stories (actually, I wonder if I ever have read a dolphin story). My children are grown and "Finding Nemo" is so ten years ago. But "Ripple" is not "Nemo". Yes, we have the undersea community and plenty of adventurous wanderers who need to pursue their life dream, including working out parental issues; but where "Nemo" is for children and tosses fish out of water into the human world, Ripple is for adults and completely re-defines the world and the universe we live in—our time and space and our internal connections with them.
But why is "Ripple" such a beautiful book? It is the themes and the character, but it also the words—the colours, the sounds, the vocabulary of an adept writer—a writer who has seemingly lived the sea and its creatures, followed their movements and imagined wondrous things that, in this book, don't seem so far-fetched (You can read more about the author's biography on her website: http://www.tuiscope.co.nz/pagefiles/t...). I found it easy to imagine being in the the ocean with the dolphins, sharks and other beautiful, humorous and dangerous creatures. Cosmo and the male astronomers are daring, masculine astronauts, Ripple is delightful as are the community of female dolphins. The scenes with the deep sea monster Erishkigal are truly frightening.
The world in "Ripple" is beautiful and it is because the creatures in Allen's ocean see the beauty in the world that we see it too. But a lesson learned is that sometimes, to see that beauty, there is a search, a journey – work to be done, even sins to be overcome, walls to be broken down, shackles to be shed. Death is dealt with—death that initiates journeys and brings redemption in life.
Not only death, but other complex themes are addressed: displacement of an individual from one community and integration into another, leaving an "old life" behind to pursue a dream; intervention of the divine in earthly (or Azurian) affairs.
For me, the core theme was that, in the divine spark in us (or dolphins), there is beauty – a beauty that sings, makes music and reveals wonders to the world and even to the universe.
Comparing with my own novel, I can confirm that Tui Allen and I hold, and live, two very different spiritual perspectives – and would have a great conversation someday – but as writers, we are not altogether on different pages. We both see beauty and light somewhere in the darkness. Perhaps it's this land of New Zealand we live in – or perhaps between the River and the deep blue sea, there is something in the water that sings and listens to us both.
Antony Millen is the author of "Redeeming Brother Murrihy: The River To Hiruharama"
Redeeming Brother Murrihy: The River To Hiruharama
Tui Allen's "Ripple" is a beautiful book, filled with charm and surprises and I am better off having read it, as a writer and as an occupant of Planet Earth.
It's a story about dolphins. OK, so I really did think I'd finished with dolphin stories (actually, I wonder if I ever have read a dolphin story). My children are grown and "Finding Nemo" is so ten years ago. But "Ripple" is not "Nemo". Yes, we have the undersea community and plenty of adventurous wanderers who need to pursue their life dream, including working out parental issues; but where "Nemo" is for children and tosses fish out of water into the human world, Ripple is for adults and completely re-defines the world and the universe we live in—our time and space and our internal connections with them.
But why is "Ripple" such a beautiful book? It is the themes and the character, but it also the words—the colours, the sounds, the vocabulary of an adept writer—a writer who has seemingly lived the sea and its creatures, followed their movements and imagined wondrous things that, in this book, don't seem so far-fetched (You can read more about the author's biography on her website: http://www.tuiscope.co.nz/pagefiles/t...). I found it easy to imagine being in the the ocean with the dolphins, sharks and other beautiful, humorous and dangerous creatures. Cosmo and the male astronomers are daring, masculine astronauts, Ripple is delightful as are the community of female dolphins. The scenes with the deep sea monster Erishkigal are truly frightening.
The world in "Ripple" is beautiful and it is because the creatures in Allen's ocean see the beauty in the world that we see it too. But a lesson learned is that sometimes, to see that beauty, there is a search, a journey – work to be done, even sins to be overcome, walls to be broken down, shackles to be shed. Death is dealt with—death that initiates journeys and brings redemption in life.
Not only death, but other complex themes are addressed: displacement of an individual from one community and integration into another, leaving an "old life" behind to pursue a dream; intervention of the divine in earthly (or Azurian) affairs.
For me, the core theme was that, in the divine spark in us (or dolphins), there is beauty – a beauty that sings, makes music and reveals wonders to the world and even to the universe.
Comparing with my own novel, I can confirm that Tui Allen and I hold, and live, two very different spiritual perspectives – and would have a great conversation someday – but as writers, we are not altogether on different pages. We both see beauty and light somewhere in the darkness. Perhaps it's this land of New Zealand we live in – or perhaps between the River and the deep blue sea, there is something in the water that sings and listens to us both.
Antony Millen is the author of "Redeeming Brother Murrihy: The River To Hiruharama"
Redeeming Brother Murrihy: The River To Hiruharama
November 29, 2011
Tui Allen’s book “Ripple” should be as important to new generations as Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” was to mine. Carson’s grew out of a life time of interest in Marine Biology. We now understand on a scientific level that by destroying our environment we are diminishing ourselves. Allen’s book is a seminal work that takes us to the next level, more than most other work has done in the 50 years since. Allen can do for our metaphysical spirit what Carson did for our intellectual comprehension. Carson wrote of the nuts and bolts of environmental structure, and Allan of the essence of life itself.
But isn’t this book just a short sentimental journey, flowing from Allan’s clever perception of what cetacean life might actually embrace, namely, a sentient consciousness to rival our own.
Yes, and yet it is so much more.
This is a timely reminder, though we don’t lack them in number but only of this quality, of what we are doing to the waters of this azure planet.
Can we heed this story as any more than a brief sentimental journey, as our brief tears over the likes of Joy Adamson’s “Born Free”? Probably not! However, I insist we should. Allen’s Ripple needs to be on our reading lists and perhaps it could even be some sort of film. Time will tell. Many reviews by far more influential critics than I will have to appear first, but this book is every bit good enough to join the common vernacular of our savage modern tribe, if the brush of fame can just be applied.
Who is to say whether “Ripple” will be simply another “science fiction drama” that touches a few lucky readers, or one that grows to touch our common consciousness, our understanding of ourselves? All I can do is send this weak bleat into the ether, without any hope of where it might fall. I hope that this sentimental delight doesn’t prove to be a visionary documentary drama foretelling of the final extinction of sea mammals, sometime between 2207 and 2217 Anno Domini.
I hope the book’s cover doesn’t confine it to the young adult, and mostly female, shelves. It will sell well from them, but it is so much larger than this market. This is a book for every one of us who has a thread that still ties them to concern for the wellbeing of life, and not just a rope connecting them with the selfish survival of man. Unlike the other books mentioned here, this is certainly fiction, but not mere fiction, not mere, not for one fleeting second.
But isn’t this book just a short sentimental journey, flowing from Allan’s clever perception of what cetacean life might actually embrace, namely, a sentient consciousness to rival our own.
Yes, and yet it is so much more.
This is a timely reminder, though we don’t lack them in number but only of this quality, of what we are doing to the waters of this azure planet.
Can we heed this story as any more than a brief sentimental journey, as our brief tears over the likes of Joy Adamson’s “Born Free”? Probably not! However, I insist we should. Allen’s Ripple needs to be on our reading lists and perhaps it could even be some sort of film. Time will tell. Many reviews by far more influential critics than I will have to appear first, but this book is every bit good enough to join the common vernacular of our savage modern tribe, if the brush of fame can just be applied.
Who is to say whether “Ripple” will be simply another “science fiction drama” that touches a few lucky readers, or one that grows to touch our common consciousness, our understanding of ourselves? All I can do is send this weak bleat into the ether, without any hope of where it might fall. I hope that this sentimental delight doesn’t prove to be a visionary documentary drama foretelling of the final extinction of sea mammals, sometime between 2207 and 2217 Anno Domini.
I hope the book’s cover doesn’t confine it to the young adult, and mostly female, shelves. It will sell well from them, but it is so much larger than this market. This is a book for every one of us who has a thread that still ties them to concern for the wellbeing of life, and not just a rope connecting them with the selfish survival of man. Unlike the other books mentioned here, this is certainly fiction, but not mere fiction, not mere, not for one fleeting second.
October 2, 2015
This book is a joy to read. It is a love story between two individuals in the most traditional sense, but it is also about the love between parent and child, teacher and student, and community as a whole.
Tui Allen is a wonderful story teller. I love her writing style. The cadence of the story itself moves like the dolphins. Sometimes it is like a glissade, smoothly gliding along. At other times it’s like a carefully choreographed ballet. And still at other times it jumps and whirls with dolphin-like speed and energy. The whole time you are adrift in this fluid world of activity, hope, misunderstanding, acceptance, and love.
For me, the feeling of this book was almost Zen-like. I felt like I was an observer watching life unfold, just like the two deities that watched Ripple from on high. Even when tragedy occurred, though I felt empathy toward Ripple and Cosmo and Rigel and Pearl, I felt oddly at peace—like I was simply witnessing the life-events that were shaping these individuals. Somehow I knew that all was as it should be and would be worth it all in the end. And I was right. At the height of the story, when Ripple is finally able to share her gift with Cosmos, I was so overjoyed it brought tears to my eyes.
Tui Allen may have hoped to raise consciousness about these beautiful animals with her story, but she also brings important life lessons to her human readers—lessons about acceptance, belief in oneself, and the courage to be who you are.
Tui Allen is a wonderful story teller. I love her writing style. The cadence of the story itself moves like the dolphins. Sometimes it is like a glissade, smoothly gliding along. At other times it’s like a carefully choreographed ballet. And still at other times it jumps and whirls with dolphin-like speed and energy. The whole time you are adrift in this fluid world of activity, hope, misunderstanding, acceptance, and love.
For me, the feeling of this book was almost Zen-like. I felt like I was an observer watching life unfold, just like the two deities that watched Ripple from on high. Even when tragedy occurred, though I felt empathy toward Ripple and Cosmo and Rigel and Pearl, I felt oddly at peace—like I was simply witnessing the life-events that were shaping these individuals. Somehow I knew that all was as it should be and would be worth it all in the end. And I was right. At the height of the story, when Ripple is finally able to share her gift with Cosmos, I was so overjoyed it brought tears to my eyes.
Tui Allen may have hoped to raise consciousness about these beautiful animals with her story, but she also brings important life lessons to her human readers—lessons about acceptance, belief in oneself, and the courage to be who you are.
August 24, 2020
Main protagonists of this novella are Ripple and Cosmo and they are dolphins. The story, however, was told by some sort of deity as narrator. A rather removed figure (unable to interfere) to witness life in the universe. The tale begins at the very beginning as a spirit was sent into this world named Azure. This spirit, when born, was name Ripple by her mother. Healthy, intelligent but otherwise somewhat of an oddball to other dolphins. Nevertheless, there are those who see that she has something that could be of great value to contribute to the world when and/or if she could work it out. Life with its ups and downs affected all living beings and as Ripple moved through life's motions, with support, she managed to continue her life's work.
I have to admit I found the book rather slow and I thought of giving it up. I persevered and am quite glad I did. There were sad times (yes, I cried - why should that surprise you!?) but there were a lot more beautiful times; just like life. Ripple is a wondrous tale of life and nature; a ingenuous reminder by the author that we need to care for our surroundings to the best of our ability.
I have to admit I found the book rather slow and I thought of giving it up. I persevered and am quite glad I did. There were sad times (yes, I cried - why should that surprise you!?) but there were a lot more beautiful times; just like life. Ripple is a wondrous tale of life and nature; a ingenuous reminder by the author that we need to care for our surroundings to the best of our ability.
September 6, 2013
This book is every bit as good as the currently popular Life of Pi. It is so unique and engaging that even after I finished reading it, parts of it will never leave my imagination. It might be fantasy but, then again, who is to say? It was interesting that the author was able to wrap you up in the characters so well that you might forget that it was a "God" talking, or that you didn't think it was strange to be friends with a squid. What is it about? Well some say it is a romance but I thought it was more about the arts; astronomy, music, visual wonders, emotions in color and sparkling oceans. It was about open minds that can do space travel, families, fighters, caretakers and more. Life as seen from dolphin eyes is so interesting that even the Gods must watch.
December 31, 2014
Tui Allen is a lyrical author who has created something quite special with this book. This story takes on mythical proportions, and has a cadence all of its own in the language and rhythm of the story told. One of the reasons I enjoyed the book was that I felt it was being told to me - which enhanced the feeling of 'lore'.
The story takes place 20 003 214 years ago, and is told by Father Clement who is important in the Divine Hierarchy. Sister Sterne has a spirit that she believes in and is determined to allow this tired and failed spirit one more chance on Azure (or as we humans call it, Earth) to achieve the purpose and contribution it has to offer. These two add a lighter note to the story, with their rather earthly, sibling-like bickering and squabbling. As an aside, I did quite like the strong (dare I say words like stroppy, stubborn, slightly delinquent) female characters in this book.
Sister Sterne is certain that this time she has found the right life-form for this spirit to achieve its purpose. Father Clement is reluctant and reminds Sterne that spirits need to be able to have some fun, and perhaps the spirit could do with some aeons of recuperation, rather than another struggle to achieve its purpose. Sterne concedes, 'I have given it some considerable thought. Perhaps you have been right all along about...er...certain things, so I have concluded that this spirit may indeed require a little laughter, to help reach its full potential. I also consider that sound and hearing are crucial to its purpose. Finally I believe it needs to be consigned to a life-form which is as intelligent as possible without being so advanced that it has 'Past-Life Memory'.' (I suspect that Sister Sterne is a little bit Aspie...She reminds me of Aimee Farrah Fowler, Sheldon's girlfriend in The Big Bang Theory.)
Her solution is for the Spirit to be sent to Ripple, a dolphin conceived by Pearl, an extraordinary mother, and Rigel, and extraordinary astronomer and athlete. At about the same time, Cosmo is born to Kismet and Mimosa - who are a great love story on their own. Of course, Ripple and Cosmo have an inevitable and remarkable story.
There are some really great characters in this book, but I have to say that one of my favourites is a character called Squelch. Squelch is an octopus character actor, and I was devastated when...no, I'm not going to say...nevertheless he is a hero and a star. He's also a bit of a show-off and I did wonder if he had a slight Napoleon complex at times!
But, do you know, that is the strength of this story. You do grow to care about the characters. And I found myself pondering the question of madness and alternative realities. Brought to mind Janet Frame, Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf and more...
Before I go too much further I should say a couple of things. I'm not sure that I would have picked up this book to read, had it not been for the great reviews that it had. It took me a couple of chapters to really know that this was not a light weight 'New Age' fantasy novel. This is a novel that will sit with you for quite some time. Secondly, and I feel slightly guilty saying this, while the book is extremely poetic in its prose, for me the poetry in it was less successful. I say that I feel guilty saying this because it seems picky, when I really did love most of the writing. Poetry is a first love of mine, and perhaps that is my challenge. However, I do not feel that this detracted from the book at all. In fact, in some ways, and very indirectly, Father Clement does remind us that human language is clunky and he has to translate thought-streams into words, which will always be an imperfect process. Maybe we could have been left to imagine the poetry, as we have to imagine the music of the book...
Quite probably, if I could give half-stars, I would rate this book 4.5 stars. But I do think this is a story that is quite new and beautifully told. I know that I will read it again, and that surprises me, because it is not a genre that I would normally read - having said that, I struggle to decide what 'genre' it actually represents. Like Ripple, Tui Allen has created something quite new. And I need some time to digest it.
The story takes place 20 003 214 years ago, and is told by Father Clement who is important in the Divine Hierarchy. Sister Sterne has a spirit that she believes in and is determined to allow this tired and failed spirit one more chance on Azure (or as we humans call it, Earth) to achieve the purpose and contribution it has to offer. These two add a lighter note to the story, with their rather earthly, sibling-like bickering and squabbling. As an aside, I did quite like the strong (dare I say words like stroppy, stubborn, slightly delinquent) female characters in this book.
Sister Sterne is certain that this time she has found the right life-form for this spirit to achieve its purpose. Father Clement is reluctant and reminds Sterne that spirits need to be able to have some fun, and perhaps the spirit could do with some aeons of recuperation, rather than another struggle to achieve its purpose. Sterne concedes, 'I have given it some considerable thought. Perhaps you have been right all along about...er...certain things, so I have concluded that this spirit may indeed require a little laughter, to help reach its full potential. I also consider that sound and hearing are crucial to its purpose. Finally I believe it needs to be consigned to a life-form which is as intelligent as possible without being so advanced that it has 'Past-Life Memory'.' (I suspect that Sister Sterne is a little bit Aspie...She reminds me of Aimee Farrah Fowler, Sheldon's girlfriend in The Big Bang Theory.)
Her solution is for the Spirit to be sent to Ripple, a dolphin conceived by Pearl, an extraordinary mother, and Rigel, and extraordinary astronomer and athlete. At about the same time, Cosmo is born to Kismet and Mimosa - who are a great love story on their own. Of course, Ripple and Cosmo have an inevitable and remarkable story.
There are some really great characters in this book, but I have to say that one of my favourites is a character called Squelch. Squelch is an octopus character actor, and I was devastated when...no, I'm not going to say...nevertheless he is a hero and a star. He's also a bit of a show-off and I did wonder if he had a slight Napoleon complex at times!
But, do you know, that is the strength of this story. You do grow to care about the characters. And I found myself pondering the question of madness and alternative realities. Brought to mind Janet Frame, Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf and more...
Before I go too much further I should say a couple of things. I'm not sure that I would have picked up this book to read, had it not been for the great reviews that it had. It took me a couple of chapters to really know that this was not a light weight 'New Age' fantasy novel. This is a novel that will sit with you for quite some time. Secondly, and I feel slightly guilty saying this, while the book is extremely poetic in its prose, for me the poetry in it was less successful. I say that I feel guilty saying this because it seems picky, when I really did love most of the writing. Poetry is a first love of mine, and perhaps that is my challenge. However, I do not feel that this detracted from the book at all. In fact, in some ways, and very indirectly, Father Clement does remind us that human language is clunky and he has to translate thought-streams into words, which will always be an imperfect process. Maybe we could have been left to imagine the poetry, as we have to imagine the music of the book...
Quite probably, if I could give half-stars, I would rate this book 4.5 stars. But I do think this is a story that is quite new and beautifully told. I know that I will read it again, and that surprises me, because it is not a genre that I would normally read - having said that, I struggle to decide what 'genre' it actually represents. Like Ripple, Tui Allen has created something quite new. And I need some time to digest it.
March 22, 2013
Before I begin this review, I should point out that while my doctoral dissertation concerned dolphin mortality, and while I might find the dolphin's dual brain or two pods' cooperation with fishermen in Brazil and Mauritania fascinating, other than perhaps orca art, I don't have any great affinity nor enamor with any species of dolphin. Furthermore, I am not a great fan of anthropomorphization. So before I even picked up Ripple, I had already two strikes against it. But pick it up I did, and Ripple is, well, fantastic!
Ripple is the story of a prehistoric dolphin of the same name, roaming the primeval seas. Infused while still in the womb with a tired, worn-out spirit by an interfering deity, she is somewhat of an outcast, driven to find her place in the world, to discover the secret which gives her purpose in life. Ripple interacts with others of her pod, learning and growing in a world beset by predatory sharks, bad weather, and an evil, ravenous cephalopod. But there is also the joy of family, of belonging, of birth, and surfing.
Reading the short paragraph above, though, would not entice me to give the book a try. This book stands on the writing, the wordsmithing. It is a lyrical, well-crafted song, a poem in narrative.
The author has published children's fiction before, and that shows through in the clean, descriptive text. There is a little of Rabbit Hill in it, in the rhythm and pace, but I think there is more of Jonathan Livingston Seagull in concept and spirit. But with all due respect to those two books, Ripple transcends them both.
Most of the book is in the third-person subjective narrative mode from the point of view of several characters, Ripple being the primary protagonist. But to get some more omniscient information presented, part of the story is told by a deity, who along with a junior deity who imparted the spirit into Ripple, oversees and watches her progress. By providing a narrative voice via a first person viewpoint character, the information provided seems far more real and insightful.
As I wrote above, I have no great love nor affection for dolphins. No disdain, either, but I am not a delphinophile. However, I loved these dolphins, Ripple and Cosmos, a young male dolphin, in particular. I found myself actually getting stressed, my pulse rate climbing when Ripple was having problems getting her point across to the other dolphins. I was agitatedly asking myself how could they not understand her. I wanted to somehow will myself into the pages and make them see, make them understand. Needless to say, this was a pretty strong reaction for a middle-aged guy lying in bed with his Kindle, reading a book about a fictitious character. That the author was able to arouse my emotions like that is a testament to her skill.
The author has a vivid imagination. Dancing within the primary plot are fun, interesting, and engrossing threads which are being woven into a beautiful tapestry. While this is a fantasy, there is still enough biology to keep it running true. Dolphins ram sharks with their rostrums, they eat small squid, they surf waves for the seeming enjoyment of it, they rush to the surface to breath at the moment of birth, and they lift injured or sick dolphins to the surface so they can breathe. The dolphins in the story are in fact dolphins, not just people in dolphin skins.
I hate to sound too enthusiastic in praise in my reviews, but in this case, Ripple deserves all accolades. It is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time, and it may have vaulted into my all-time Top Ten list. If anyone gives the slightest value to my opinions, I ask you to take this book and absorb it, treasure it, make it part of you. And if any editor for a publishing house happens to pass by my little review, for goodness sake, grab this and get it out on the wider market. This book deserves a huge readership.
I read a lot, and I enjoy the written word. I almost didn't download Ripple, but I thank my lucky stars that I did. Thank you, Tui Allen.
Ripple is the story of a prehistoric dolphin of the same name, roaming the primeval seas. Infused while still in the womb with a tired, worn-out spirit by an interfering deity, she is somewhat of an outcast, driven to find her place in the world, to discover the secret which gives her purpose in life. Ripple interacts with others of her pod, learning and growing in a world beset by predatory sharks, bad weather, and an evil, ravenous cephalopod. But there is also the joy of family, of belonging, of birth, and surfing.
Reading the short paragraph above, though, would not entice me to give the book a try. This book stands on the writing, the wordsmithing. It is a lyrical, well-crafted song, a poem in narrative.
The author has published children's fiction before, and that shows through in the clean, descriptive text. There is a little of Rabbit Hill in it, in the rhythm and pace, but I think there is more of Jonathan Livingston Seagull in concept and spirit. But with all due respect to those two books, Ripple transcends them both.
Most of the book is in the third-person subjective narrative mode from the point of view of several characters, Ripple being the primary protagonist. But to get some more omniscient information presented, part of the story is told by a deity, who along with a junior deity who imparted the spirit into Ripple, oversees and watches her progress. By providing a narrative voice via a first person viewpoint character, the information provided seems far more real and insightful.
As I wrote above, I have no great love nor affection for dolphins. No disdain, either, but I am not a delphinophile. However, I loved these dolphins, Ripple and Cosmos, a young male dolphin, in particular. I found myself actually getting stressed, my pulse rate climbing when Ripple was having problems getting her point across to the other dolphins. I was agitatedly asking myself how could they not understand her. I wanted to somehow will myself into the pages and make them see, make them understand. Needless to say, this was a pretty strong reaction for a middle-aged guy lying in bed with his Kindle, reading a book about a fictitious character. That the author was able to arouse my emotions like that is a testament to her skill.
The author has a vivid imagination. Dancing within the primary plot are fun, interesting, and engrossing threads which are being woven into a beautiful tapestry. While this is a fantasy, there is still enough biology to keep it running true. Dolphins ram sharks with their rostrums, they eat small squid, they surf waves for the seeming enjoyment of it, they rush to the surface to breath at the moment of birth, and they lift injured or sick dolphins to the surface so they can breathe. The dolphins in the story are in fact dolphins, not just people in dolphin skins.
I hate to sound too enthusiastic in praise in my reviews, but in this case, Ripple deserves all accolades. It is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time, and it may have vaulted into my all-time Top Ten list. If anyone gives the slightest value to my opinions, I ask you to take this book and absorb it, treasure it, make it part of you. And if any editor for a publishing house happens to pass by my little review, for goodness sake, grab this and get it out on the wider market. This book deserves a huge readership.
I read a lot, and I enjoy the written word. I almost didn't download Ripple, but I thank my lucky stars that I did. Thank you, Tui Allen.
May 19, 2012
An amazing book for all ages.
On one level this book is a delightful tale about a group of dolphins, living the way they should live, with all the freedom and dangers that come with a life in the wild. On another level, this book will challenge your perception of dolphins. Most of us know of the scientific evidence of the level of intelligence that dolphins display. This evidence makes us see them as clever creatures, capable of learning tricks for our amusement.
This book portrays dolphins as not only intelligent, but as beings capable of love, self-sacrifice, with minds that are filled with dreams and hope and much more. This book does not anthropomorphize dolphins, rather it challenges us to imagine dolphins as beings on a level equal or higher than ourselves, but different. None of this takes away from an engaging story, but like me after reading this book you might find that your perception of dolphins has been changed.
On one level this book is a delightful tale about a group of dolphins, living the way they should live, with all the freedom and dangers that come with a life in the wild. On another level, this book will challenge your perception of dolphins. Most of us know of the scientific evidence of the level of intelligence that dolphins display. This evidence makes us see them as clever creatures, capable of learning tricks for our amusement.
This book portrays dolphins as not only intelligent, but as beings capable of love, self-sacrifice, with minds that are filled with dreams and hope and much more. This book does not anthropomorphize dolphins, rather it challenges us to imagine dolphins as beings on a level equal or higher than ourselves, but different. None of this takes away from an engaging story, but like me after reading this book you might find that your perception of dolphins has been changed.
December 27, 2012
Ripple is a beautifully written tale of our sea creatures thousands of years ago, and how music was founded by Ripple, showing as chaos to her family and the other dolphins around her, until she perfected her talent, which was her vocation, turning it into the music we know today.
The story was narrated by one of the deities who was watching over the spirit which would in turn be the young dolphin, Ripple. The love story which began when Pearl gave birth to Ripple, the intense love of family, with Ripple’s parents and siblings, continuing on when she fell in love with Cosmo…
The story of their schooling, their vocations, their lives hunting for food and the dangers of the ocean were all amazingly created through words written impeccably and with great passion.
A beautiful book about one of our amazing sea creatures, one I would recommend to everyone.
The story was narrated by one of the deities who was watching over the spirit which would in turn be the young dolphin, Ripple. The love story which began when Pearl gave birth to Ripple, the intense love of family, with Ripple’s parents and siblings, continuing on when she fell in love with Cosmo…
The story of their schooling, their vocations, their lives hunting for food and the dangers of the ocean were all amazingly created through words written impeccably and with great passion.
A beautiful book about one of our amazing sea creatures, one I would recommend to everyone.
October 1, 2013
Talk about imagery. Ripple lets you glide weightlessly not only through our world's oceans but another imaginative sphere somewhere 'out there.'
It may be a book about another species, but there are parables and metaphors that will make you laugh, and make you cry; they also should make you worry. But most of all, the story of Ripple must make you think. And hopefully do something about our own world.
Well done, Tui Allen.
It may be a book about another species, but there are parables and metaphors that will make you laugh, and make you cry; they also should make you worry. But most of all, the story of Ripple must make you think. And hopefully do something about our own world.
Well done, Tui Allen.
August 13, 2012
We are proud to announce that this book has been honored with a 2012 B.R.A.G.Medallion - telling you that this book is well worth your time and money!
November 28, 2012
An intriguing story written by a master storyteller.
Read
October 13, 2024Ripple is the twenty million year old story of how love inspired one dolphin to an intellectual achievement that changed the universe. It finishes with a powerful environmental message that reveals what this story is really all about. It will change the way you view the ocean and its indigenous "people".
March 9, 2025
Beyond charming. Inventive and delightful.
August 10, 2013
Ripple: A thoughtful and stylishly-written novel. After searching Goodreads for a 'book written by a New Zealander', I stumbled upon Ripple, and I'm glad I did. Everything about it looked as if I'd come to enjoy this novel, but a dolphin novel? What was there to say about dolphins? Despite these negative thoughts, it was the only novel I found that I was satisfied with reading, so I decided to give it a go.
The category, 'a book written by a New Zealander' was a difficult category for me to fill. To be honest, I felt like a fish continually swimming around a rock, hoping there would be something more 'interesting' to me, but still finding nothing different. After Google searching 'books written by New Zealand authors' thousands of times, I had my eye on Ripple, but after repeating my results, I was stuck with this novel. I was definitely surprised at what I read. It was definitely a change of style I'd normally read.
There were so many meaningful quotes I liked, I could probably quote the whole novel. But one I found interesting was, “She danced so curving, lissom, like the laughter of the song. She sent resounding into space and down the ages long.”
Ripple isn't just a dolphin; she's different from the rest. Even before she was born she was always 'searching' for something, but was unsure of what. After discovering that her search had always been for music, others of her kind did not hear what she heard. They saw her music as destructive or 'chaotic'. Her journey then continues to find a way to express her songs to the rest of the world. Near the end of the novel, when dolphins go extinct, humans only then realize what intelligence and beauty of sound these long gone animals could produce.
This quote really sums up the true meaning of the Ripple. To her, her music was as beautiful and graceful as what she danced, but no one saw what she saw (or heard). To describe the beauty of Ripple, Allen uses the simile 'like the laughter of the song'. From my perspective, 'laughter' refers to the happiness and joy that Ripple experiences from her songs, but others do not hear anything like what they see. The second part of the quote, "She sent resounding into space and down the ages long,” refers to the importance and impact Ripple had on people's lives. It shows what lengths and depths she had persevered through and the strong outcome she had.
From this book, I learnt to show more respect for dolphins. I have definitely learned from moral of the story, which was to save marine life. Till now, I had always heard of people who felt strongly about this, but I had never really cared much for dolphins until I read this novel. It makes me feel anger towards those who don't care, and torture these poor creatures. Everyone has a life and everyone has feelings. It is unfair and cruel to take advantage of others who may just be as capable as us.
All the characters in this novel fit in perfectly to create the right atmosphere for the story of Ripple. Ripple created her first ever song for her true love, Cosmo, who also took the same vocation as her father. Ripple's mother, Pearl, had always been there for Ripple and supported her in everything she did. Her father, Rigel, had given her the best advice, which was to continue searching ways to show the world the beauty of her music. There were other characters, such as Erishkigal, the 'monster' of the ocean. Each one of her evil tentacles were on a search to find delicious satisfaction for their 'queen'. Erishkigal was like the 'bad person' in the novel. She was what everyone feared, and was Ripple's prime source of death. When Ripple once almost lost hope or nearly gave up, she sank into the black deep and Erishkigal was there, more than glad to consume some warm blooded dolphin meat. I love how this novel was written so beautifully, with many language techniques to capture the moment. Every character in this novel play an important role and definitely created an excellent book to read.
The category, 'a book written by a New Zealander' was a difficult category for me to fill. To be honest, I felt like a fish continually swimming around a rock, hoping there would be something more 'interesting' to me, but still finding nothing different. After Google searching 'books written by New Zealand authors' thousands of times, I had my eye on Ripple, but after repeating my results, I was stuck with this novel. I was definitely surprised at what I read. It was definitely a change of style I'd normally read.
There were so many meaningful quotes I liked, I could probably quote the whole novel. But one I found interesting was, “She danced so curving, lissom, like the laughter of the song. She sent resounding into space and down the ages long.”
Ripple isn't just a dolphin; she's different from the rest. Even before she was born she was always 'searching' for something, but was unsure of what. After discovering that her search had always been for music, others of her kind did not hear what she heard. They saw her music as destructive or 'chaotic'. Her journey then continues to find a way to express her songs to the rest of the world. Near the end of the novel, when dolphins go extinct, humans only then realize what intelligence and beauty of sound these long gone animals could produce.
This quote really sums up the true meaning of the Ripple. To her, her music was as beautiful and graceful as what she danced, but no one saw what she saw (or heard). To describe the beauty of Ripple, Allen uses the simile 'like the laughter of the song'. From my perspective, 'laughter' refers to the happiness and joy that Ripple experiences from her songs, but others do not hear anything like what they see. The second part of the quote, "She sent resounding into space and down the ages long,” refers to the importance and impact Ripple had on people's lives. It shows what lengths and depths she had persevered through and the strong outcome she had.
From this book, I learnt to show more respect for dolphins. I have definitely learned from moral of the story, which was to save marine life. Till now, I had always heard of people who felt strongly about this, but I had never really cared much for dolphins until I read this novel. It makes me feel anger towards those who don't care, and torture these poor creatures. Everyone has a life and everyone has feelings. It is unfair and cruel to take advantage of others who may just be as capable as us.
All the characters in this novel fit in perfectly to create the right atmosphere for the story of Ripple. Ripple created her first ever song for her true love, Cosmo, who also took the same vocation as her father. Ripple's mother, Pearl, had always been there for Ripple and supported her in everything she did. Her father, Rigel, had given her the best advice, which was to continue searching ways to show the world the beauty of her music. There were other characters, such as Erishkigal, the 'monster' of the ocean. Each one of her evil tentacles were on a search to find delicious satisfaction for their 'queen'. Erishkigal was like the 'bad person' in the novel. She was what everyone feared, and was Ripple's prime source of death. When Ripple once almost lost hope or nearly gave up, she sank into the black deep and Erishkigal was there, more than glad to consume some warm blooded dolphin meat. I love how this novel was written so beautifully, with many language techniques to capture the moment. Every character in this novel play an important role and definitely created an excellent book to read.
January 26, 2015
While the intentions behind the creation of this novel are good, it doesn't really pass the message it's aiming for. I understand and fully support the environmental issues it's raising towards the end, with the dolphins disappearing in the future and all, but I spent 173 pages reading about multicoloured dolphins and unnervingly casual deities trying to create music. I wasn't sure, in the end, what Tui Allen was trying to say; if she was trying to make a fairy tale of defeating prejudice and creating strong imagery, it got lost among the efforts to make a cautionary tale, while if she was trying to raise awareness for the cetacean population, it got lost among the world-building. Which would have been impressive, but I was unsure of what I was reading throughout the entire book.
What I can say I liked a lot was the connection between mathematics and music towards the end of the book. Plus I was very relieved when Ripple's search for "something" turned out to refer to music, because from the back of the book I was 99% sure that it was going to be love, and that I was about to read a dolphin love story where the male is aggressive and troubled and the female's only purpose is the essence of their relationship, as if we don't have enough of those books starring humans. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, even though I still don't get the godly narrators.
Personally, I hope the message of the afterword interests people even more than the actual contents of the book.
Final note: SO. FEW. COMMAS.
What I can say I liked a lot was the connection between mathematics and music towards the end of the book. Plus I was very relieved when Ripple's search for "something" turned out to refer to music, because from the back of the book I was 99% sure that it was going to be love, and that I was about to read a dolphin love story where the male is aggressive and troubled and the female's only purpose is the essence of their relationship, as if we don't have enough of those books starring humans. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, even though I still don't get the godly narrators.
Personally, I hope the message of the afterword interests people even more than the actual contents of the book.
Final note: SO. FEW. COMMAS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2012
To say "Ripple" is creative is an understatement. I wondered when downloading it, if I would be able to get into it, or even if I would WANT to. I am an avid lover of dolphins, and have been all my life, but never would have thought to wonder at their romances.
This gave me a hugely different perspective than any book I have read, due to the uniqueness of its characters, and of its main plot, Ripple's search for something even she could not name initially.
it is suitable for about ages 10 and up, unless your child is very sensitive or alternately, mature. There are fairly graphic descriptions of sharks attacking dolphins and a few references to mental illness. As with any book for a child, I always suggest reading it yourself first, because you know your child best. It is very suitable for adults as well. To add to the book, the author adds poetry, which was quite pleasant. I gave it five stars because frankly the uniqueness of it and the creativity of it are exemplary, though there are more than a couple proofing errors. I can always overlook those however when a book is this ambitious. Thank you, Tui Allen, for sharing Ripple's story.
This gave me a hugely different perspective than any book I have read, due to the uniqueness of its characters, and of its main plot, Ripple's search for something even she could not name initially.
it is suitable for about ages 10 and up, unless your child is very sensitive or alternately, mature. There are fairly graphic descriptions of sharks attacking dolphins and a few references to mental illness. As with any book for a child, I always suggest reading it yourself first, because you know your child best. It is very suitable for adults as well. To add to the book, the author adds poetry, which was quite pleasant. I gave it five stars because frankly the uniqueness of it and the creativity of it are exemplary, though there are more than a couple proofing errors. I can always overlook those however when a book is this ambitious. Thank you, Tui Allen, for sharing Ripple's story.
March 3, 2013
A wonderful book. It goes straight into my favourite book shelf and will surely be read again in years to come. I tend to race through really good books, being unable to put them down. So it is on a 2nd read that I take more time and savour the details.
I love dolphins and whales anyhow so a story based on either is worth a look as far as I am concerned.
Ripple is so much more, it contains so many wonderful characters that are now part of my extended family. It opens the mind to so many different concepts and ways of looking at a world through different eyes.
I look forward to reading any future books by Tui Allen.
I love dolphins and whales anyhow so a story based on either is worth a look as far as I am concerned.
Ripple is so much more, it contains so many wonderful characters that are now part of my extended family. It opens the mind to so many different concepts and ways of looking at a world through different eyes.
I look forward to reading any future books by Tui Allen.
October 18, 2012
Wow! What a delightful story, you can tell the author put her heart and soul into this tale. This is a wonderfully engaging story of how a single soul learned how to share the music her soul heard with the world several millennia ago. This hard fought for development brought change to the heavens and earth. This imaginative tale is told by the watching deities who give us a picture of a society on Azure and a bit of their society also. Tui Allen is a masterful storyteller, everyone will enjoy this journey of discovery.
February 23, 2013
This Story is an awesome philosophical journey I will not likely forget, ever.
Ripple is an oddity among dolphins. She is always listening and searching for something. I soon guessed what "it" was but the story evolved beautifully to the point where everything is finally revealed. It was such a joy to read about Ripple's efforts in finding a way to communicate her feelings and in the end reach her destiny.
The end was beautiful and sad all in one. That was one fabulous journey I am delighted not to have missed out on.
Ripple is an oddity among dolphins. She is always listening and searching for something. I soon guessed what "it" was but the story evolved beautifully to the point where everything is finally revealed. It was such a joy to read about Ripple's efforts in finding a way to communicate her feelings and in the end reach her destiny.
The end was beautiful and sad all in one. That was one fabulous journey I am delighted not to have missed out on.
March 21, 2013
I never thought I'd like this book, but I read it after a recommendation. It was great, truly great, one of the best books I read in 2012. It was lyrical, exciting, clever--pretty much all I would want in a book.
Please, give this book a shot. You won't be sorry.
Please, give this book a shot. You won't be sorry.
November 29, 2012
Original, fascinating, makes you really think and totally enjoyable about the origins of music.
November 29, 2012
Great book.Loved it!
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