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Sounding
SOUNDING takes us into the extraordinary mind and emotions of the magnificent sperm whale, an aging bull roaming the waters of the Atlantic. Troubled and separated from his herd, the whale wants to fulfill his one obsessive desire to communicate with the human race and learn why they can be both vicious hunters and frolicking playmates.
Far away, on a doomed Russian nuclear submarine, Lieutenant Peter Rostov, the sonar officer and a classical musician, is spending what he's sure are his last days listening to the beautiful "sounding" of the whale.
In the amazing climax to this unique novel, man and whale come together and a magnificent destiny is fulfilled.
"Searls is remarkably eloquent. . . . you'll stand up and cheer." The Washington Post Book World
Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
24 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Hank Searls
57 books22 followersBorn Henry Hunt Searls Jr. novelist and screenwriter Hank Searls, author of the best-selling Overboard, Jaws II (based on the movie), and Sounding, is creator of the New Breed TV series and writer for the 1960's classic television series The Fugitive . His novel Pilgrim Project became Robert Altman's film Countdown. He has lived most of his life on, under, or over the ocean, having been a world-cruising yachtsman, underwater photographer, and Navy flier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 8, 2019
I was able to stomach the outdated depictions of whale behavior and the dull, unlikable human characters, but between the sudden rape scene and the depictions of Seaworld as a happy, magical place where humans and cetaceans get along, I had no desire to finish this book.
The only aspect of this that saved it from a one-star review was the lovely writing, at least the writing involving the old sperm whale's perspective. Like I said before, it's an incredibly outdated depiction, but it at least felt authentic.
The only aspect of this that saved it from a one-star review was the lovely writing, at least the writing involving the old sperm whale's perspective. Like I said before, it's an incredibly outdated depiction, but it at least felt authentic.
March 17, 2022
If you have a soft spot for whales (and who doesn’t?) you will enjoy the telling of this oceanic tale. On a friend’s recommendation, who gave this 30 year old book her favorite read of all times status, I found this book- which is no longer in print but is still accessible for Kindles.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, both for the story and the author’s writing style. I became immersed( pun intended) in the story of a sonar officer doomed upon a sunken Russian submarine. He uses his skills to communicate with an aging spermwhale. The story contains an array of cruel and malignant human beings but it also beautifully celebrates the heroic potential residing within both species. The way in which the human and whale characters ultimately intersect is predictable- but well implemented and left me swirling in its after glow.
It’s only flaw, for me, was that it glamorized the Seaworld industry which, at the time of its writing, inflicted more harm than good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, both for the story and the author’s writing style. I became immersed( pun intended) in the story of a sonar officer doomed upon a sunken Russian submarine. He uses his skills to communicate with an aging spermwhale. The story contains an array of cruel and malignant human beings but it also beautifully celebrates the heroic potential residing within both species. The way in which the human and whale characters ultimately intersect is predictable- but well implemented and left me swirling in its after glow.
It’s only flaw, for me, was that it glamorized the Seaworld industry which, at the time of its writing, inflicted more harm than good.
December 9, 2024
Wow! This nondescript little book likely would have sat on the shelf for years if it wasn't recommended to me by a family member. This was a great read, one of my all time favorites. I think I just enjoy the refreshing change of pace of reading through the perspective of another creature. Simple, smart, beautifully written and heartwrenching.
November 28, 2018
Captures Your Attention and Holds it to the Last Line
This is an extraordinary book. I read it for the first time in 1996. The fact that it's still in print, and now an eBook, is testimony to its qualities.
This is my sixth reading over a twenty-two year span. I keep coming back to read it again because it's just that good.
At the heart of the story is a very unusual character: a giant, aged, sperm whale. He is the main character and the majority of this adventure is told in his voice. He tells of the history of cetaecea, the familial relationships within the pod, and many, many interesting facts of the life of sperm whales, including how they got their unusual name.
Among the characters are pilot whales, humpbacks, Orcas, dolphin, and many other denizens of the oceans.
There is also a stranded Russian nuclear submarine with Russian sailors trapped inside. They are forbidden from using distress signals by the paranoid political officer on board.
The major point of the story concerns a prophecy of the possibility of true communication between man and whale.
This review fails to convey the power of Mr. Searls story. It will capture your attention from the first line to the last in a remarkable tale of drama and suspense.
This is an extraordinary book. I read it for the first time in 1996. The fact that it's still in print, and now an eBook, is testimony to its qualities.
This is my sixth reading over a twenty-two year span. I keep coming back to read it again because it's just that good.
At the heart of the story is a very unusual character: a giant, aged, sperm whale. He is the main character and the majority of this adventure is told in his voice. He tells of the history of cetaecea, the familial relationships within the pod, and many, many interesting facts of the life of sperm whales, including how they got their unusual name.
Among the characters are pilot whales, humpbacks, Orcas, dolphin, and many other denizens of the oceans.
There is also a stranded Russian nuclear submarine with Russian sailors trapped inside. They are forbidden from using distress signals by the paranoid political officer on board.
The major point of the story concerns a prophecy of the possibility of true communication between man and whale.
This review fails to convey the power of Mr. Searls story. It will capture your attention from the first line to the last in a remarkable tale of drama and suspense.
January 7, 2011
What can I say, "horsie-girls" are all gaga for stories about whales and hawks. I don't know why, we are just wired that way. And this wonderful whale story is packed full of interesting facts about all kinds of cetaceans wrapped in a good story. I'm a sucker for a good animal story and this one delivers.
November 28, 2017
Informative
I learned a great deal about how sophisticated the whales life systems actually are. I would encourage reading this book.
I learned a great deal about how sophisticated the whales life systems actually are. I would encourage reading this book.
January 1, 2019
This is the ocean creature book that should have become famous.
April 15, 2020
I don't often give a five-star rating, but this was one of those books that you start reading, and suddenly it one in the morning. Just a few more pages before I go to bed you think, and the next time you look it's after three. There are two stories, told in parallel. One concerns a disabled Soviet submarine lying on the bottom deep in the Atlantic. The only hope for rescue will be for the captain to reveal the sub's position in some way. However this is strictly forbidden by the Zampolit, or Political Officer, a hard-line Communist, a veteran of the battle of Leningrad. The other story is one of whales, specifically sperm whales, and one aging bull in particular. The author gifts the entire world of whales with not only intelligence, but with a philosophy and even a language. It's not a spoken language as we would understand it, but a language of pictures painted in sound... think sonogram but many times more complex. The two stories develop separately, each in its own way until the end when they very neatly intertwine.
October 20, 2022
One of my favorite books of all time!
I firsks 40 years ago, when we were fighting Cold War against the Soviet Union. It moves betweent read this boo two scenarios, a damaged Soviet submarine balanced on a sea out while the crew attempts repairs, and an anthropomorphic 1st person Sperm whale account of life in the pod, of how the whale learns of the sub, and how he attempts to save it. Don't think that this is pure fantasy, it is not. The author thoroughly researched everything about Sperm whales, which makes that storyline very believable. In addition to being an attention grabbing story, Searls gives an accurate description about the tensions and distrust that people from both countries felt as US and Soviet subs played cat and mouse games deep beneath the sea.
I firsks 40 years ago, when we were fighting Cold War against the Soviet Union. It moves betweent read this boo two scenarios, a damaged Soviet submarine balanced on a sea out while the crew attempts repairs, and an anthropomorphic 1st person Sperm whale account of life in the pod, of how the whale learns of the sub, and how he attempts to save it. Don't think that this is pure fantasy, it is not. The author thoroughly researched everything about Sperm whales, which makes that storyline very believable. In addition to being an attention grabbing story, Searls gives an accurate description about the tensions and distrust that people from both countries felt as US and Soviet subs played cat and mouse games deep beneath the sea.
December 28, 2024
I was given this book to read by my coworker - he had told me this story was his first grand exposure to the sea and it's creatures as a young farm boy in Michigan. He had told me how strongly the story had affected him alongside the Hobbit. Now he is a husband, a father, and a retired seasoned diver that works in marine archaeology for the fun of it.
After reading this story, I fully understand the impact he was referring to. As someone who grew up by the ocean, has loved it my whole life and is fully invested in it's conservation, this book floored me. The story really kicks up in Part 3 to the point where I was in tears at the perspective of the sperm whale. This story is a beautiful mix of science, poetry, and a heartbreaking dissection of humanity.
After reading this story, I fully understand the impact he was referring to. As someone who grew up by the ocean, has loved it my whole life and is fully invested in it's conservation, this book floored me. The story really kicks up in Part 3 to the point where I was in tears at the perspective of the sperm whale. This story is a beautiful mix of science, poetry, and a heartbreaking dissection of humanity.
March 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this novel. I found it gripping, heartwarming, and while perhaps a bit dated the date in question is the early 80s, one of my favorite eras. That said, ymmv if you’re not a fan of Cold War thrillers about sensitive Soviet soldiers clashing with chillingly soulless bureaucrats cause that’s like half the plot, but the converging of that storyline with the whale’s is worth the trip, and kept me on the edge of my seat right to the end.
January 16, 2025
A grappling combination of lives and points of view that shows the consequences of human and animal nature - how we love, hate, fight, and affect the world around us.
The anthropomorphism used in the animal portions was so familiar and comforting, think of the movie Flipper or Free Willy. I have always been a fan of aquatic stories, whether it be from the mind of a sperm whale to someone living near the water, a fantastic read.
The anthropomorphism used in the animal portions was so familiar and comforting, think of the movie Flipper or Free Willy. I have always been a fan of aquatic stories, whether it be from the mind of a sperm whale to someone living near the water, a fantastic read.
August 19, 2019
A hidden gem of a book: super underrated. I was pleasantly surprised by the complex plot and the wonderful characters, not to mention the stunning descriptions and the imaginative setting. The whale and the sailor were both haunting and memorable. Quickly has become a favorite of mine, definitely worth a second read.
November 14, 2023
What an amazing book.
Searls uses in-depth information about oceanography, echolocation, cetology, submarines, and the Cold War to give the creatures of the sea the kind of sentience we dream of on this world. An aging sperm whale tries to do the right thing. A Russian audiologist dreams of opera. A bull goes mad. A child is born.
and it's all magical and believable.
Don't miss this book
Searls uses in-depth information about oceanography, echolocation, cetology, submarines, and the Cold War to give the creatures of the sea the kind of sentience we dream of on this world. An aging sperm whale tries to do the right thing. A Russian audiologist dreams of opera. A bull goes mad. A child is born.
and it's all magical and believable.
Don't miss this book
July 7, 2018
Enjoyed getting inside the minds of whales.
February 22, 2021
This is a second reading. Enjoyed the whale perspective of this novel.
May 27, 2024
Beautiful and tragic. A great story for anyone who loves to dream of a more connected world.
Read
June 21, 2024Whales rule, humans drool.
October 9, 2017
Submarine sinks. Whale picks up the sonar and hangs around to see if he can help. It may have been fiction, but I believe whales are spiritual mammals, and this book made me cry. SAVE THE WHALES BECAUSE YOU MAY JUST BE SAVING YOURSELF.
February 24, 2014
"To the sperm whale, largest-brained creature the world has known, who swims. . . against the odds, with the last faint hope of earth." Hank Searls, Newport Beach, California
This book does make the whale into a thinking, human-like creature, but it is not objectionable. There is a Russian submarine with several crazy people on board, which is in trouble. The old whale is trying to learn why some people are killing sperm whales. It seems there are two kinds of people, the dumb killing kind, and the thoughtful, caring kind. And the whale has no way of knowing which is which.
An interesting story, very poignant. (Everyone that needs to, lives, by the way.) There are a couple of inconsistancite in the last chapter, which I hope are corrected in the re-printing. I hope Searls is right!
This book does make the whale into a thinking, human-like creature, but it is not objectionable. There is a Russian submarine with several crazy people on board, which is in trouble. The old whale is trying to learn why some people are killing sperm whales. It seems there are two kinds of people, the dumb killing kind, and the thoughtful, caring kind. And the whale has no way of knowing which is which.
An interesting story, very poignant. (Everyone that needs to, lives, by the way.) There are a couple of inconsistancite in the last chapter, which I hope are corrected in the re-printing. I hope Searls is right!
August 21, 2016
This book was a pleasant surprise. I was looking for another book with a similar title, and stumbled across this, and thought it sounded interesting.
The two main characters in the book are an aging enormous Sperm Whale, and a Russian submarine Lieutenant, stranded six hundred feet down, in a broken down submarine. The bulk of the story is about the Whale's journey to find the submarine which he had heard rumors about, although you are treated to a lot of the whales thought process, and thoughts on other creatures in the sea, and man.
It's probably not a book for everybody, but i enjoyed it a lot.
The two main characters in the book are an aging enormous Sperm Whale, and a Russian submarine Lieutenant, stranded six hundred feet down, in a broken down submarine. The bulk of the story is about the Whale's journey to find the submarine which he had heard rumors about, although you are treated to a lot of the whales thought process, and thoughts on other creatures in the sea, and man.
It's probably not a book for everybody, but i enjoyed it a lot.
October 2, 2015
This was really pretty good. I enjoyed the interplay between man and nature and the story that wove them together. Unlike some books that weave the beauty together, this was different. I don't know how to say it other than it was very clearly written by a man. The violence and brutality and baseness of both species was made very plain. There were moments of beauty but they were just pauses. Good story, great development, good plot twists and loads of information on whales, history and man - both whaling and military. I would say well done and worth the read.
October 17, 2016
Like his shark in the novel, Jaws 2, Mr. Searls gives his sperm whale feelings and desires. By humanizing the whale, the reader is able to connect with the whale in this novel. Written from the perspective of a whale, this was a fascinating and interesting read. It is a superior effort from a good and original writer.
September 30, 2008
It's a VERY short novel but it took me a full year to finish it. I had to stop and savor the language and descriptions. I loved the conflict among the whales but though the book flaked out when the whales and the fate of the submarine became entwined.
Worth reading though. Give it a try.
Worth reading though. Give it a try.
September 10, 2015
Loved this book. So many things: the ocean of thought, "two kinds of men", the intelligence beneath the seas. I had this book on my shelf for 23 years & just picked it up a few weeks ago. So very wonderful.
January 19, 2019
Touching and Heartfelt
I cried at times and rejoiced at others, I’ve read this book many times and learnt more about our friends of the oceans than anything they taught me in school, a truly wonderful tale
I cried at times and rejoiced at others, I’ve read this book many times and learnt more about our friends of the oceans than anything they taught me in school, a truly wonderful tale
July 12, 2008
Interesting and only somewhat anthropomorphizing (is that a word) stoy of a sperm whale and a striken submarine.
April 27, 2010
very, very good, especially if you love stories about the ocean, ships, etc.
July 23, 2011
One of my favorite books of all time! What a great nature/fiction story wrapped into one. If you ever had a facination for whales this is a must read!
April 28, 2012
i think this book might be out of print, but it is available digitally. a heartwarming and heart-wrenching tale. moving and thought-provoking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews