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Dentro da Baleia
Por vezes demoramos a vida inteira a encontrar as palavras certas. Stevie, que ficou viúva recentemente, sabe que tem de contar a verdade à família, mas o passado é complicado e difícil de desenredar. Michael deixou o seu diário esquecido numa caixa de sapatos, à espera da sua partida iminente para o hospital. Nunca teve jeito para pôr os acontecimentos em palavras, sente-se mais à vontade com os estalidos do código Morse. Contudo Anna, uma jovem auxiliar de acção médica, tem a paciência e a ternura para o convencer a contar a sua história. E assim começa. Comovente e de leitura compulsiva, esta é a história inesquecível de Stevie e Michael, amantes vulgares, separados pelos acontecimentos invulgares da guerra.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2008
5 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Rooney
7 books60 followersJennie Rooney was born in 1980 and grew up in Liverpool, Zambia and Bromley. She attended Newstead Wood School in Orpington, before reading History at Cambridge University. She taught English for a while in a primary school in France before training as a solicitor in London and Paris. Her first novel, Inside the Whale, was written during this time and was published by Chatto & Windus in 2008, and was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, the Waterstones New Writer of the Year Award, and was a Richard and Judy Debut Book Club choice. Her second novel, The Opposite of Falling, is also published by Chatto & Windus.
She now lives in West London, where she writes and teaches History and English. She is also a regular creative writing tutor for Skyros Writers' Lab and is a patron of the National Academy of Writing. She is currently working on her third novel and a screenplay.
She now lives in West London, where she writes and teaches History and English. She is also a regular creative writing tutor for Skyros Writers' Lab and is a patron of the National Academy of Writing. She is currently working on her third novel and a screenplay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 3, 2024
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December 2, 2010
Such a simple story. Two people meet, fall in love, plan a future. But then something happens that separates them, that changes the courses of both their lives for good.
It’s been done before. It will doubtlessly be done again. But Jennie Rooney’s debut novel does it particularly well.
The story really is that simple, but the joy is in the execution.
The story is told by the two main characters, Stevie and Michael, in alternate chapters. And it moves backwards and forwards in time. We first meet Stevie as a young woman at home with her mother and Michael as an elderly man in a care home.
Often that wouldn’t work but here it does, because this isn’t a book about plot, it’s a book about two lives that met. The shifts in focus made it natural think about the two lives lived rather than a sequence of events that happened.
I warmed to Stevie immediately, and in the early part of the book I missed her in Michael’s chapters. But as I learned more about him I grew to care for him too, and the pages turned more and more quickly.
The meeting and the development of the relationship was completely natural and right. But was separated them, and its consequences kept them apart.
I felt joy, pain love, grief, so many emotions with Stevie and Michael over the courses of their lives, and I miss them now they are gone.
Yes it is a simple tale, but Jennie Rooney tells it so well and presents just the right moments, just the right details to make it wonderfully effective: a very human story of love, life and family told with great warmth and wit.
There’s not quite enough there to make this a great book, but it is a lovely debut from an author who clearly has the potential to write something great.
It’s been done before. It will doubtlessly be done again. But Jennie Rooney’s debut novel does it particularly well.
The story really is that simple, but the joy is in the execution.
The story is told by the two main characters, Stevie and Michael, in alternate chapters. And it moves backwards and forwards in time. We first meet Stevie as a young woman at home with her mother and Michael as an elderly man in a care home.
Often that wouldn’t work but here it does, because this isn’t a book about plot, it’s a book about two lives that met. The shifts in focus made it natural think about the two lives lived rather than a sequence of events that happened.
I warmed to Stevie immediately, and in the early part of the book I missed her in Michael’s chapters. But as I learned more about him I grew to care for him too, and the pages turned more and more quickly.
The meeting and the development of the relationship was completely natural and right. But was separated them, and its consequences kept them apart.
I felt joy, pain love, grief, so many emotions with Stevie and Michael over the courses of their lives, and I miss them now they are gone.
Yes it is a simple tale, but Jennie Rooney tells it so well and presents just the right moments, just the right details to make it wonderfully effective: a very human story of love, life and family told with great warmth and wit.
There’s not quite enough there to make this a great book, but it is a lovely debut from an author who clearly has the potential to write something great.
April 12, 2014
I enjoyed this first novel by a very young author quite a lot by the time I got into the swing of it. World War II stories usually do appeal to me, especially those set in England. Stevie stays in England while Michael spends most of the war in Africa. I especially enjoyed his work with messenger pigeons. Details add realism. There’s also a marvelous description of a ballet class. The novel is written in very short chapters that alternate between Stevie (short for Stephanie) and Michael. It’s a love story with more than the usual complications. I won’t spoil it by giving away more details. The problem with the book is that Rooney’s leaps both in characters and in time are too confusing at the onset. Eventually I picked up enough of the story line and relationships to get it. For me, that happened around page 20 in one of the best funeral scenes I’ve ever read. It’s a tender, bittersweet story told with a sense of humor.
December 17, 2020
While this is considered a WW II story, it is much different than the majority of novels set in that time. Michael is stationed in Africa and serves in Royal Signals and later works with carrier pigeons.
The chapters alternate between him and his girlfriend Stevie, and also between wartime and current day.
In many WW II themed stories there is a lot of letter writing, and these letters always seem to be delivered to their intended recipient in record time. This has always baffled me.
Here we have a story in which the letters written were not delivered leading to decisions being made with far reaching consequences. To me this seems much more realistic for a world war.
When Michael does finally return home, 6 years have passed and Stevie has moved on with her life. Michael spends his life nearby but out of sight, watching over his daughter he didn't know he had and who doesn't know him, and later, his granddaughter.
... - . -
The chapters alternate between him and his girlfriend Stevie, and also between wartime and current day.
In many WW II themed stories there is a lot of letter writing, and these letters always seem to be delivered to their intended recipient in record time. This has always baffled me.
Here we have a story in which the letters written were not delivered leading to decisions being made with far reaching consequences. To me this seems much more realistic for a world war.
When Michael does finally return home, 6 years have passed and Stevie has moved on with her life. Michael spends his life nearby but out of sight, watching over his daughter he didn't know he had and who doesn't know him, and later, his granddaughter.
... - . -
February 24, 2022
4.5 rounded up. I don’t know where this book came from. Did I buy it? Did someone else? But I found it in the collection of my books in my childhood home and decided to give it a try. I just read it all in one sitting and I don’t regret it.
This is a bittersweet tale of two elderly people looking back at their lives, their mistakes and successes. It’s not fast-passed and not quite adventure filled but it’s tender and very well-written. If you’re looking for introspective historical fiction this is for you.
This is a bittersweet tale of two elderly people looking back at their lives, their mistakes and successes. It’s not fast-passed and not quite adventure filled but it’s tender and very well-written. If you’re looking for introspective historical fiction this is for you.
March 19, 2022
It was such a lovely story! Not my usual choice but I was pleasantly surprised. With really short chapters I think that helped.
I connected with both Stevie and Michael as characters. The story was just so beautifully written.
I was slightly confused at the end but other than that a really good read. Highly recommended!
I connected with both Stevie and Michael as characters. The story was just so beautifully written.
I was slightly confused at the end but other than that a really good read. Highly recommended!
January 14, 2022
Hmm! Just didn't grab me. There didn't seem to be much of a connection.
January 8, 2023
A poignant love story, slow moving but draws you in
August 9, 2025
Ho divorato questo libro in un solo giorno, incapace di lasciarlo andare. È una storia triste e struggente che mi ha toccato e commosso profondamente. 🥹❤️
December 20, 2025
Wow, just… wow.
February 11, 2011
Este livro tem uma capa linda. Quando saiu, em Setembro do ano passado, chamou imediatamente a minha atenção e a sinopse confirmou que o livro parecia bastante interessante. As opiniões que li não eram muito entusiásticas, e por isso decidi não arriscar a compra e, em vez disso, requisitei-o na biblioteca.
Trata-se de um livro relativamente curto, com capítulos também curtos, que alternam relatos na primeira pessoa de Stevie e Michael. Os dois conheceram-se na altura da 2.ª Guerra Mundial, enquanto ainda eram adolescentes. Muitos anos depois, já idosos, ambos recordam o tempo que passaram juntos e todos os acontecimentos que levaram à sua separação e ao continuar das suas vidas afastados, com constantes avanços e recuos no tempo. É uma história que nos fala de oportunidade perdidas e de momentos aparentemente inócuos mas que acabam por alterar a nossa vida de uma forma irreversível.
Ainda ontem dizia que me agradam histórias de amor que primem pela subtileza, mas sinceramente achei esta demasiado contida. Na maior parte do tempo, os sentimentos e as palavras podem apenas ser adivinhados pelo leitor, e se acho que isto pode funcionar se houver um bom equilíbrio entre o que se diz e o que fica por dizer, neste caso a falta de palavras apenas serviu para fazer com que as personagens me parecessem mais distantes, mais irreais. Apesar disso, o livro tem momentos belíssimos e a escrita sólida e muitas vezes poética é digna de nota e ajuda a tornar este livro mais interessante.
Na minha opinião, é um livro que tinha tudo para ser excelente mas como que se perdeu a meio do caminho. Apesar disso, foi uma leitura interessante e fico com curiosidade para ler mais desta autora e acompanhar a sua evolução.
Trata-se de um livro relativamente curto, com capítulos também curtos, que alternam relatos na primeira pessoa de Stevie e Michael. Os dois conheceram-se na altura da 2.ª Guerra Mundial, enquanto ainda eram adolescentes. Muitos anos depois, já idosos, ambos recordam o tempo que passaram juntos e todos os acontecimentos que levaram à sua separação e ao continuar das suas vidas afastados, com constantes avanços e recuos no tempo. É uma história que nos fala de oportunidade perdidas e de momentos aparentemente inócuos mas que acabam por alterar a nossa vida de uma forma irreversível.
Ainda ontem dizia que me agradam histórias de amor que primem pela subtileza, mas sinceramente achei esta demasiado contida. Na maior parte do tempo, os sentimentos e as palavras podem apenas ser adivinhados pelo leitor, e se acho que isto pode funcionar se houver um bom equilíbrio entre o que se diz e o que fica por dizer, neste caso a falta de palavras apenas serviu para fazer com que as personagens me parecessem mais distantes, mais irreais. Apesar disso, o livro tem momentos belíssimos e a escrita sólida e muitas vezes poética é digna de nota e ajuda a tornar este livro mais interessante.
Na minha opinião, é um livro que tinha tudo para ser excelente mas como que se perdeu a meio do caminho. Apesar disso, foi uma leitura interessante e fico com curiosidade para ler mais desta autora e acompanhar a sua evolução.
May 17, 2011
‘Inside the Whale’ is Jennie Rooney’s first novel and although I read it in just three sessions it was more because it was quick to read with large print and not very long rather than particularly riveting. In fact it took me a little while to decide if I was actually enjoying it as at first it was confusing trying to keep track of the story. When it did all click into place, which it did all rather too conveniently, I had already worked out what was going to happen. So unlikely but as I have often said before fiction is entertainment and the story provides that even if it is rather simplistic.
Narrated in the first person alternately by the two main protagonists Stevie Stanford and Michael the man she met in 1937. In the summer of 1939 her lover joins the Royal Signals and is sent to fight in WWII in Africa. Set in modern times they are now both elderly and telling their stories of London and Africa during the second world war to the reader, completely unaware of each others existence. Stevie is recently widowed, staying with her daughter and granddaughter, whilst she struggles to mourn for her husband. Michael is dying of cancer in hospital and having already lost the power of speech is trying to convey his life story by writing it down for a caring nursing assistant. The ending is moving and well written even if unlikely, although maybe not, one never knows!
A romantic novel written with humour and poignancy about a wartime love affair and the long term effects of such a relationship.
More information in the post at http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
Narrated in the first person alternately by the two main protagonists Stevie Stanford and Michael the man she met in 1937. In the summer of 1939 her lover joins the Royal Signals and is sent to fight in WWII in Africa. Set in modern times they are now both elderly and telling their stories of London and Africa during the second world war to the reader, completely unaware of each others existence. Stevie is recently widowed, staying with her daughter and granddaughter, whilst she struggles to mourn for her husband. Michael is dying of cancer in hospital and having already lost the power of speech is trying to convey his life story by writing it down for a caring nursing assistant. The ending is moving and well written even if unlikely, although maybe not, one never knows!
A romantic novel written with humour and poignancy about a wartime love affair and the long term effects of such a relationship.
More information in the post at http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
November 28, 2011
I had read an earlier draft of this novel as part of my freelance work for an agency which provides a manuscript assessment service. At the time I'd thought it seemed promising.
About 18 months later I heard a serialised extract on Woman's Hour.
Then a couple of weeks back, I saw the paperback on sale very cheaply at an Oxfam bookshop and felt curious about how the book had been rewritten.
Although it's a pleasant read, I found it disappointing.
The novel consists of short alternating sections narrated by two elderly people - Stevie and Michael - who had been lovers in their youth. They are separated when Michael enlists in World War II, and also because of his guilt over an act he commited as a soldier. However Michael does return to live near Stevie later on. He then becomes a sort of guardian angel watching over her - and ultimately gets to know Anna, her grand-daughter.
The voices of Stevie and Michael are rather too similar, and both characters have a tendency to be rather whimisical. There's not much in the way of narrative tension, partly because the plot is actually pretty simple and linear, and the two main protagnists don't actually interact that much. (There are no twists and turns, although there's an abundance of minor digressions.) So despite the brevity of each section, the writing tends to get monotonous. There's a sort of sweetness about both the hero and the heroine, which some readers might find appealing and/or 'uplifting'. But to me this sat rather oddly with a storyline that purports to deal with death, loss and grief.
Ultimately I felt there was too much surface charm, and not enough toughness.
About 18 months later I heard a serialised extract on Woman's Hour.
Then a couple of weeks back, I saw the paperback on sale very cheaply at an Oxfam bookshop and felt curious about how the book had been rewritten.
Although it's a pleasant read, I found it disappointing.
The novel consists of short alternating sections narrated by two elderly people - Stevie and Michael - who had been lovers in their youth. They are separated when Michael enlists in World War II, and also because of his guilt over an act he commited as a soldier. However Michael does return to live near Stevie later on. He then becomes a sort of guardian angel watching over her - and ultimately gets to know Anna, her grand-daughter.
The voices of Stevie and Michael are rather too similar, and both characters have a tendency to be rather whimisical. There's not much in the way of narrative tension, partly because the plot is actually pretty simple and linear, and the two main protagnists don't actually interact that much. (There are no twists and turns, although there's an abundance of minor digressions.) So despite the brevity of each section, the writing tends to get monotonous. There's a sort of sweetness about both the hero and the heroine, which some readers might find appealing and/or 'uplifting'. But to me this sat rather oddly with a storyline that purports to deal with death, loss and grief.
Ultimately I felt there was too much surface charm, and not enough toughness.
March 9, 2011
I wasn't sure whether to give this 3 or 4 stars - I may well come back and add another because this is a very good book and one that has given me much to ponder - particularly the second half when I found the 'older' characters to be much more believable. I feel that may be down to the language which becomes more natural and a little pacier later on - or had I just mellowed into Jennie Rooney's slighly 'magical' prose in which an enduring love story is told from the point of view of Michael and Stevie, with events taking place in WW2 war torn London and also Africa. The book draws to a well constructed ending without resorting to any over sentimental manipulation of the emotions. It is quite an outstanding work of emotional maturity considering that Jenny Rooney is a writer still in her twenties.
May 13, 2016
Stevie und Michael sind gerade erst ein Paar geworden als Michael im Zuge des zweiten Weltkrieges nach Afrika muss. "Ich werde auf dich warten", versichert Stevie ihm. Doch Michael erlebt und tut dort Dinge, die er sich selbst nicht verzeihen kann und beendet ohne Erklärung bzw. unter falschem Vorwand die Beziehung zu Stevie, welche daraufhin beschließt, ihrer Tochter nicht zu erzählen, wer ihr wahrer Vater ist. In kurzen Kapiteln, jeweils abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Stevie und Michael entfaltet sich langsam die Geschichte. Und das in wunderbaren Worten. Anfangs musste ich mich an den Schreibstil gewöhnen, den ich so nicht erwartet hatte, doch nach einigen Kapiteln sog mich die Geschichte in ihren Bann...
(2016 kann ich mich allerdings an rein gar nichts, wirklich nicht das kleinste bisschen, aus diesem Buch erinnern)
(2016 kann ich mich allerdings an rein gar nichts, wirklich nicht das kleinste bisschen, aus diesem Buch erinnern)
October 16, 2009
Stevie is newly widowed and has a secret she must tell her family but the past is complicated and difficult to untangle. Michael's memories are equally as complex but because he has never been able to put his feelings into words , he is a sad and lonely man.
In the course of this story these two lives intertwine with echoes of lost love and lost hope. Set against the heart break of WWII and interspersed with current day feelings and memories, it is a poignant reminder of the devastion caused by war.
I really wanted to like this book, and felt that parts of it were well written but there was just something about the characters that left me cold. I liked Michael more than Stevie, he seemed to have slightly more depth, but in the end I was a bit bored.
In the course of this story these two lives intertwine with echoes of lost love and lost hope. Set against the heart break of WWII and interspersed with current day feelings and memories, it is a poignant reminder of the devastion caused by war.
I really wanted to like this book, and felt that parts of it were well written but there was just something about the characters that left me cold. I liked Michael more than Stevie, he seemed to have slightly more depth, but in the end I was a bit bored.
November 23, 2016
An unusual love story, Stevie and Michael's lives are explored in alternate short chapters that move between the present, the London Blitz and Africa. Gradually their interconnecting story is pieced together. This is a gentle read, but very engaging. It's not a predictable story; the author continually comes at things in quite a quirky way. One chapter begins: 'I have discovered that if I approach my ear from a certain angle, I can slot a pound coin into the cavity and wedge it there.' The writing style is spare and direct and yet the novel paints likeable and rather moving portraits of its characters. It's very funny in parts too. This was Jennie Rooney's first novel so I look forward to reading her later ones.
July 21, 2016
Inside the Whale is Jennie Rooney’s debut novel.
A tender poignant story about love, loss and learning to live with the decisions people make.
The story is told through the view points of Stevie and Michael. They are their twilight years and reflecting on their lives.
They meet, fall in love however when war brakes out Michael enlists and is posted to Africa. Stevie’s writes to Michael with important information however the letter never arrives. Michael’s wartime experiences leave him emotionally traumatised and as a result decides to remain in Africa when he is demobbed.
Stevie eventually marries Jonathan, a man she met while working at the ministry.
Beautifully written and compassionate.
A tender poignant story about love, loss and learning to live with the decisions people make.
The story is told through the view points of Stevie and Michael. They are their twilight years and reflecting on their lives.
They meet, fall in love however when war brakes out Michael enlists and is posted to Africa. Stevie’s writes to Michael with important information however the letter never arrives. Michael’s wartime experiences leave him emotionally traumatised and as a result decides to remain in Africa when he is demobbed.
Stevie eventually marries Jonathan, a man she met while working at the ministry.
Beautifully written and compassionate.
November 26, 2014
Overall, I liked this book. You could really understand what the characters were feeling and their emotions. The story is not told in a linear way, so you have to put all the pieces together like a jigsaw.
However, I was annoyed by several things. First, the fact that there are two main characters, Stevie and Michael, and every other chapter is about one of them. Chapters are short, so you read a few pages and then it switches characters. The two characters don't have their own "voices", which I find a bit of a shame. Some things were predictable. And I was very confused by the ending - what is it supposed to be about?!
However, I was annoyed by several things. First, the fact that there are two main characters, Stevie and Michael, and every other chapter is about one of them. Chapters are short, so you read a few pages and then it switches characters. The two characters don't have their own "voices", which I find a bit of a shame. Some things were predictable. And I was very confused by the ending - what is it supposed to be about?!
October 24, 2009
I loved the short, snappy chapters that were alternatively narrated by Michael and Stevie. I found some of the descriptive writing really brilliant, I think Jennie Rooney has a real talent with words.
I thought the overall story was extremely poignant, concentrating on missed opportunities and the far-reaching effects of things that are done either by accident or on the spur of the moment.
Although it's often quite bleak, there is some black humour in the story. I'll look forward to her next novel.
I thought the overall story was extremely poignant, concentrating on missed opportunities and the far-reaching effects of things that are done either by accident or on the spur of the moment.
Although it's often quite bleak, there is some black humour in the story. I'll look forward to her next novel.
October 20, 2015
The title and the time period of the novel attracted me. I thought it was a clever story, and had depth to it too. I just found some of the switching between time periods - past and present - confusing. I also felt at times that I wasn't understanding her meaning, the writing was a bit obscure at times. My edition had a lovely cover with a couple under an umbrella in the rain, which tied into the story beautifully.
July 24, 2011
I enjoyed the way in which the characters were short and snappy. It made it very easy to read. Also, they were alternative characters narrating the chapter. Michael and Stevie who are the two main characters. I really love Jennie Rooney's writing. It was a good story, with some very sad moments. I recommend it.
January 5, 2014
Despite the sad story, this is an entertaining, uplifting read. I enjoyed the unexpected word pictures. The war affects everyone. It separates Michael and Stevie, but their daughter is born. Alternating between Michael’s words and Stevie’s words, this is the story of how that brief romance affects their future lives. Worth reading.
July 29, 2011
What a wonderful debut novel. Beautifully written, and oh so sad. I enjoyed the two separate narratives, hearing their side of this desparately sad story of lost love. I look forward to her next novel.
January 18, 2013
Initially i found the 2 voices that the book is written in a bit confusing. Maybe they were too similiar? But the book grew on me to the point i couldnt put it down. The end is a little predictable but overall a good read.
November 6, 2014
Quite simply a beautifully written story of love trying to find a way through the Second World War. I can't think of anything remarkable about this book, it just works, the writing, the story, the mood ... it's lovely!
July 11, 2009
This was a total pleasure, a wonderful book by a new writer that I will be looking out for in future. Heart-rending and beautiful. Thanks Jennie!
March 22, 2010
Very touching and easy to read novel.
September 3, 2010
I enjoyed this book. it went along at a nice pace, and although quite predictable it wouldn't deter me from reading another Jennie Rooney novel.
January 6, 2011
read in winter 2010. Nice story but nothing to special. I liked how the father was able to be close to his daughter without her realizing who he was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews