The Whale: A Love Story

Mark Beauregard relies upon careful research and a bit of imagination to tell the story of Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne, two writers who meet and become close friends during the time Melville is grappling with the writing of his novel Moby Dick. Because both men were writers, there is much written evidence—letters, diaries—to draw upon. Scholars have always known that Melville and Hawthorne inspired each other and became close, but Beauregard goes further and makes their relationship a love story. It feels true and believable, with Melville, with his experiences in the South Seas and his daring in writing, as the pursuer, and Hawthorne, with his emphasis on sin in his wiring, the reluctant lover.

It's a perfect side for a Moby Dick entree.