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Whalesong Trilogy #1
Whalesong
Once upon a moonlit sea, a whale was born and began his song of his long and eventful journey through the great oceans.
Hruna’s voyage takes him to many things. Seals, dolphins and Ala the seagull all guide him on his travels and help him during times of great danger and great joy.
And before his song is over, Hruna is put to the ultimate test when he leads a daring rescue amongst the icebergs, and saves his pod from the whalers.
Hruna’s voyage takes him to many things. Seals, dolphins and Ala the seagull all guide him on his travels and help him during times of great danger and great joy.
And before his song is over, Hruna is put to the ultimate test when he leads a daring rescue amongst the icebergs, and saves his pod from the whalers.
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 1981
18 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Robert Siegel
76 books17 followersRobert Harold Siegel was an American poet and novelist. He authored four books of poetry and five children's novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 30, 2022
I pretty much read this entire book at once and I must say I was totally engrossed in it. The time just flew by while I was reading. The writing in here is not only descriptive but also very lyrical as well. And I don't mean only the poetry parts (songs) that are scattered throughout the book but the regular paragraphs as well. It's not often that I come across that in a book. The author is very skilled indeed!
So this story follows the adventures of a humpback whale named Hruna as he goes from an infant calf on the day of his birth to his fated destiny in his pod. I would say more about his destiny but I don't want to ruin the story. Needless to say he has many big adventures, often on his own as he goes on his spirit quest to find out who he really is. And Hruna is a very curious whale so he investigates things that other whales probably would never do - like those dangerous two- finned humans who look so funny. And he makes some huge discoveries too! And yes, the book have a dramatic climax with grave danger!
There are bits of the tale that were very predictable. I admit that. I could guess some of it far in advance. But then this is a book meant for children so... Still I did greatly enjoy it.
The author has also created a very full and rich undersea world here not only of whales but also of other sea related creatures, including birds. And there are even cross species friendships. Plus the whales have their own stories and beliefs. That makes them seem more real. And no, they do not fully understand humans at all.
But be warned: a good chunk of this story is about the horrors of whaling.
Some parts of this book near the end did make my eyes rather misty. It kind of overwhelmed me with emotions.
I must not know my whales very well because this book names a few types of whales that draw a blank in my mind? I was like "huh? A what kind of whale?" I guess I will have to google them later. Makes me wonder if some species have more than one name?
So this story follows the adventures of a humpback whale named Hruna as he goes from an infant calf on the day of his birth to his fated destiny in his pod. I would say more about his destiny but I don't want to ruin the story. Needless to say he has many big adventures, often on his own as he goes on his spirit quest to find out who he really is. And Hruna is a very curious whale so he investigates things that other whales probably would never do - like those dangerous two- finned humans who look so funny. And he makes some huge discoveries too! And yes, the book have a dramatic climax with grave danger!
There are bits of the tale that were very predictable. I admit that. I could guess some of it far in advance. But then this is a book meant for children so... Still I did greatly enjoy it.
The author has also created a very full and rich undersea world here not only of whales but also of other sea related creatures, including birds. And there are even cross species friendships. Plus the whales have their own stories and beliefs. That makes them seem more real. And no, they do not fully understand humans at all.
But be warned: a good chunk of this story is about the horrors of whaling.
Some parts of this book near the end did make my eyes rather misty. It kind of overwhelmed me with emotions.
I must not know my whales very well because this book names a few types of whales that draw a blank in my mind? I was like "huh? A what kind of whale?" I guess I will have to google them later. Makes me wonder if some species have more than one name?
October 12, 2015
beautiful story about fascinating animals ... however it is probably written for children and therefore the writing isn't very good
I liked it nevertheless as there has always been a special place in my heart for those peaceful giants of the sea
I liked it nevertheless as there has always been a special place in my heart for those peaceful giants of the sea
May 23, 2018
A young adult novel recounting the life-cycle of a humpback whale written from the point of view of the whale. It is done pretty well.
I am looking for a novel or story written from the point of view of an animal, which offers as much as possible what it would seem like to be that animal. This novel makes the whale seem like a person who mostly thinks like a human, but put in a whale's situation. So I'll keep looking.
I am looking for a novel or story written from the point of view of an animal, which offers as much as possible what it would seem like to be that animal. This novel makes the whale seem like a person who mostly thinks like a human, but put in a whale's situation. So I'll keep looking.
March 16, 2016
This is the very first whale related book I ever read back when I was younger. It is more aimed at children so the writing is rather easy but I can imagine that this is a great book to read to children. To this day the whale fascination stuck with me. This book is really nice and you just wish you could be there in the ocean with the whales and be part of their family.
November 3, 2021
Shotty depiction of humpback social structures
I was excited by the premise but dismayed by the complete lack of homework done by the author on the actual social lives of humpback whales. There's a lot we don't know about them, but what we do know was completely awry in this book. I was unable to get past Chapter 2.
I was excited by the premise but dismayed by the complete lack of homework done by the author on the actual social lives of humpback whales. There's a lot we don't know about them, but what we do know was completely awry in this book. I was unable to get past Chapter 2.
June 3, 2016
Beautiful. Pensive and thoughtful. Oceanic in its depth.
January 13, 2024
This is an exquisite coming of age/quest type story where the twist is that the main character is a humpback whale
The first chapters describe the birth and early days of Hrun the whale in the tropical waters with his mother and pod. Later, the migration back toward to pole begins, Hrun learns feeding on krill, meets the bull that is his father and is slowly introduced to the whole whale life cycle. The young Hrun is introduced by his father to many different marine animals that live near the poles and taught about many aspects of the ocean. There is a lot of Marine information here that is very good indeed, and of course, the reader learns along with Hrun. Later, as a young bull Hrun goes on The Lonely Cruise which is the Humpback version of a Walkabout and does actually correspond with observed data of young males leaving the pod of their birth and wandering solo.
There are whale culture and mythology elements, a LOT of emphasis on whaling and the negative activities of men, whom the whales do not hate, despite their 'senseless' injurious behaviours. On his Lonely Cruise Hrun ends up finding an aquarium, which takes cetaceans, and other animals captive for human pleasure. He then teams up with a fin whale to release the captives among which is a friend from his calf days, who becomes his mate.
This book contains GREAT descriptions of the ocean, it's life and seasons. These descriptions are often lyrical, literary, beautifully written and contain a huge number of literary references to novels, songs and stories I am sure I only picked up on some of them.
So, a great book it is, what is it not?
It is not sci-fi. Berkely publishing did.... not great with the cover. By advertising it as “A novel by Robert Sieger, author of Alpha Centauri" it made me think it was sci-fi/fantasy and it is not more sci-fi than Jack London in. The endorsement by Madeleine L'Engle left the same, equally incorrect, vibe.
It is not, in my option a children's book either – children might enjoy it, fine, in the way that a lot of children devoured Jack London's. And, yes, Wiki tells me it was regarded as children's literature but it is far more than that. It is a beautiful book for people who love the ocean, for scuba divers who can not always be underwater or for anyone curious about lives of whales; don't take it as gospel, but there is a lot of accurate data there, very accessibly presented.
The first chapters describe the birth and early days of Hrun the whale in the tropical waters with his mother and pod. Later, the migration back toward to pole begins, Hrun learns feeding on krill, meets the bull that is his father and is slowly introduced to the whole whale life cycle. The young Hrun is introduced by his father to many different marine animals that live near the poles and taught about many aspects of the ocean. There is a lot of Marine information here that is very good indeed, and of course, the reader learns along with Hrun. Later, as a young bull Hrun goes on The Lonely Cruise which is the Humpback version of a Walkabout and does actually correspond with observed data of young males leaving the pod of their birth and wandering solo.
There are whale culture and mythology elements, a LOT of emphasis on whaling and the negative activities of men, whom the whales do not hate, despite their 'senseless' injurious behaviours. On his Lonely Cruise Hrun ends up finding an aquarium, which takes cetaceans, and other animals captive for human pleasure. He then teams up with a fin whale to release the captives among which is a friend from his calf days, who becomes his mate.
This book contains GREAT descriptions of the ocean, it's life and seasons. These descriptions are often lyrical, literary, beautifully written and contain a huge number of literary references to novels, songs and stories I am sure I only picked up on some of them.
So, a great book it is, what is it not?
It is not sci-fi. Berkely publishing did.... not great with the cover. By advertising it as “A novel by Robert Sieger, author of Alpha Centauri" it made me think it was sci-fi/fantasy and it is not more sci-fi than Jack London in. The endorsement by Madeleine L'Engle left the same, equally incorrect, vibe.
It is not, in my option a children's book either – children might enjoy it, fine, in the way that a lot of children devoured Jack London's. And, yes, Wiki tells me it was regarded as children's literature but it is far more than that. It is a beautiful book for people who love the ocean, for scuba divers who can not always be underwater or for anyone curious about lives of whales; don't take it as gospel, but there is a lot of accurate data there, very accessibly presented.
March 21, 2018
Instantly taken by the musical prose and unique setting, I found myself drawn from one chapter to the next. I had to tell myself after three different chapters "Only one more chapter, then you HAVE to go to sleep." Finally freed from its dreamlike grasp, I nevertheless picked it up first thing the next morning. I am currently rereading it, trying to find that something that drew me along so relentlessly. There are no cliffhanger chapter endings. No action scenes with action as the focus. (I had to think to identify them as action scenes!) No obvious character arc. (Although, looking back, there is a beautiful character arc) Everything floats and flows, moving forward continually like an ocean current. Maybe its secret is its subtlety. There is so much under the surface that it resonates somewhere deep within you, until you find yourself drawn along by a force stronger than a whaler's harpoon, more alluring than hunger-for-land, and sweeter than a whale's song.
Second read-through: There was one scene that dragged each time I read the book. When the great whale told the history of the world, he took five paragraphs (the last one is short) narrating the theory of evolution. I believe it feel flat for a few reasons
1. The theory of evolution does not comport with reality in many areas, so I don't agree with it
2. Even after looking at it as part of the whales' past in the story, it went on too long, and there wasn't much payoff to the story as a whole
3. The next chapter has a much shorter creation account, which refers to the acts of the Whale of Light. Unlike the previous account, this one DOES tie in to the rest of the story. Following the purpose of the Whale of Light is a major theme in this book, and is why he visits the great whale in the first place.
So, I believe the shorter origin story would have made a better introduction to the Great Whale's story.
Second read-through: There was one scene that dragged each time I read the book. When the great whale told the history of the world, he took five paragraphs (the last one is short) narrating the theory of evolution. I believe it feel flat for a few reasons
1. The theory of evolution does not comport with reality in many areas, so I don't agree with it
2. Even after looking at it as part of the whales' past in the story, it went on too long, and there wasn't much payoff to the story as a whole
3. The next chapter has a much shorter creation account, which refers to the acts of the Whale of Light. Unlike the previous account, this one DOES tie in to the rest of the story. Following the purpose of the Whale of Light is a major theme in this book, and is why he visits the great whale in the first place.
So, I believe the shorter origin story would have made a better introduction to the Great Whale's story.
August 20, 2023
This tale is told from the point of view if a humpback whale named Hruna. It starts with his birth. He then travels with his pod to the cold arctic waters and back to warm tropical waters. He then is told that he needs to travel on his own for a while. All his adventures are woven together into his personal song.
May 17, 2017
A short but very touching story as told by Hrunakyana- the song of a whale! I too wish as the last sentence reads, "May the Humpbacks sing their song forever"! Sadly I believe that we have allowed the massive rounds ups and killing of Ocean animals to continue.
Read
August 6, 2024A really beautiful book, both in content and style, short and easy to read, only eleven chapters. I enjoyed having this as my bedside book. Reading a chapter before bed is a great way to go to sleep.
February 1, 2018
What a great story! I didn't want to put it down. I hope my son enjoys it as much as I did. I think he will. It makes you feel like you want to find your own song.
November 19, 2019
A unique study of a whale through his perspective. An interesting way to learn about their life cycles, mating, migrating, and the whaling industry.
March 27, 2020
A lyrical and moving read. Siegel creates the world of the humpback whale with a narrative that is full of wonder, tenderness and grace.
July 30, 2021
Poignant, spiritual, beautiful, elegant. I couldn’t put it down.
January 21, 2022
One of my top 10 book for sure
August 6, 2024
This reminded me of Jonathan Livingston seagull.
December 29, 2020
Rather strange book. A fable? Not really a children's story. Very much of it's time, I suppose ("Save the Whales"). Seems to be inspired by indigenous culture but find nothing to support that.
June 15, 2011
There is a wealth of information in this story told by Hruna, a humpback whale. All the while, it is engaging and bathed in rich detail.
One paragraph telling of one of Hruna's times in the depth of the ocean describes for me what I anticipate experiencing in the presence of God. "I felt I was where I should be, where I had always wanted to be. The past was not there, nor the future. There was only the present, infinitely full. Rather, the past was there as a small picture in my mind, to look at and enjoy, and also the future - something to look at and delight in, but not really there. All reality was in the present. The sense of want, of wanting to be back in the past or wanting to be ahead in the future, was gone. The sense of want was gone because the want was filled in this darkness, I felt totally free, as if I were expanding through the darkness."
There is even a Christ figure. "We saw how Hralekana had freely chosen his death - had even foreseen it - and, indeed, as one of the Great Ones, the White Whales who live for hundreds of years, was created for just such an end." This Hralekana sings"...Your ransom will render new life to the remnant. Then shall you swim in that bright Ocean where shows no sorrow nor shadow of turning."
Thank you, Reader, for recommending this book. Beautiful.
One paragraph telling of one of Hruna's times in the depth of the ocean describes for me what I anticipate experiencing in the presence of God. "I felt I was where I should be, where I had always wanted to be. The past was not there, nor the future. There was only the present, infinitely full. Rather, the past was there as a small picture in my mind, to look at and enjoy, and also the future - something to look at and delight in, but not really there. All reality was in the present. The sense of want, of wanting to be back in the past or wanting to be ahead in the future, was gone. The sense of want was gone because the want was filled in this darkness, I felt totally free, as if I were expanding through the darkness."
There is even a Christ figure. "We saw how Hralekana had freely chosen his death - had even foreseen it - and, indeed, as one of the Great Ones, the White Whales who live for hundreds of years, was created for just such an end." This Hralekana sings"...Your ransom will render new life to the remnant. Then shall you swim in that bright Ocean where shows no sorrow nor shadow of turning."
Thank you, Reader, for recommending this book. Beautiful.
July 9, 2007
This series is mostly unknown - but I fell in love with it when I was young. I think I was in about 6th grade when I was reading the third book (The Ice at the End of the World) while my family was traveling. We stopped to eat lunch at a restaurant just as the book was at its critical point. I begged my mom to let me stay in the car and read - but she made me come in and read in the restaurant booth. As I read of the whale dying I burst into tears and read the lines, "and no blood flowed" at which point I got the worst nosebleed of my life - dripping blood all over that page, into the bathroom and finally out onto the sidewalk. Amazing books - I would recommend the full series (Whalesong, the White Whale and the Ice at the End of the World) to anyone who loves animals and is entranced by the mystery of the ocean.
March 19, 2011
I read this book when I was a very little kid and I enjoyed it very much. One day I was thinking and suddenly that popped into my head, so I went ahead and ordered it online. It's pretty much impossible to find a copy of it anywhere near me, so I had to. It was even better now that I can really understand what was happening. However sometimes I just want to keep the ideas about it I had when I was a kid, because it really had a huge impact on me, I realize now. This amazing book affected most every idea stored in the back of my mind and brought them back to life. It's beautifully written, poetic, intense, and one of the greatest spiritual journeys you might ever embark on. Robert Siegel has created a masterpiece in his novel Whalesong. Absolutely wonderful!
July 4, 2009
I LOOOOVE this book series. I continue to reread it every few years.
Its written from the perspective of the Whales. It begins with the whale being born and pushed to the surface on his mother's back to take his first breath and takes you through the childhood frolicking and the great krill beds of the Arctic North and on the lonely cruise and to confrontations with human whaling ships!
There are some great references to the legend of Moby Dick and to the atomic testing at bikini island.
This is a great book to read out loud to kids (though- the character names can be difficult to pronounce).
Its written from the perspective of the Whales. It begins with the whale being born and pushed to the surface on his mother's back to take his first breath and takes you through the childhood frolicking and the great krill beds of the Arctic North and on the lonely cruise and to confrontations with human whaling ships!
There are some great references to the legend of Moby Dick and to the atomic testing at bikini island.
This is a great book to read out loud to kids (though- the character names can be difficult to pronounce).
October 12, 2008
This book is incredibly beautiful. I could almost believe that I was experiencing life as a whale as I read the wonderful descriptions. The book also has meaning in another way. This was one of the ones I read to my son after his heart surgery, and he loved it, too. I found it as I was browsing through a bookstore, and noticed the recommendation by Madeline L'Engle, one of my absolutely favorite writers. I grabbed the book without thinking twice.
June 5, 2015
It is story that has sad and happy parts. It is a very interesting tale that shares the belief that animals have feelings and have a right to live. It also has a very slight environmental theme and suggests that things need to change before it is too late.
Recommended for those who like: stories about whales and other aquatic animals, stories about friendship, heartwarming tales, and books about good overcoming evil.
Recommended for those who like: stories about whales and other aquatic animals, stories about friendship, heartwarming tales, and books about good overcoming evil.
October 11, 2010
A beautifully written book that tracks the life of a humpback whale and his pod. I read this book (along with the sequels) in sixth grade and decided I wanted to join Greenpeace and sail on the Rainbow Warrior. When I went whale watching this year I decided to revisit this series. The first book held up pretty well to my memory of it with its descriptions of human events through a whale's eyes.
May 19, 2011
It was one of the best books I have ever read!!! It was about life underwater from a humback's point of view. the humpback encouters sharks, whaling ships, seals, albatrroses, blue whales, fin whales one killer whale, dolfins and, humans. My faviorate part is when Hrunakyana saves his true love, Lewte,(and other friends)from being held in a lagoon forever.
March 2, 2012
Well, I have finished this trilogy now, and loved it. So much wisdom in it about how we treat the earth and those that share it with us. Definitely one of my fave reads this year. Brilliant!! Written for children, but not at all childish!! Amazing!! Even had a right sobfest near the end, and I love when I get that from a book...what can I say...I love a good cry!! :)
May 28, 2016
What a lovely tale of a young whale. I think this story has an appeal for both young and old.
I loved the idea of the whales singing their songs to tell the stories of their lives.
Many have commented that this must be a children's book because it is easy to read. At my library it can be found in the Adult Fiction. Short in length and easy to read doesn't always=a children's book.
I loved the idea of the whales singing their songs to tell the stories of their lives.
Many have commented that this must be a children's book because it is easy to read. At my library it can be found in the Adult Fiction. Short in length and easy to read doesn't always=a children's book.
July 30, 2008
I liked Alpha Centauri better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews