Ahab's Wife

By: Sena Jeter Naslund

Narrated by: Maryann Plunkett

This is destined to be remembered as one of the most-recognized first sentences in literature -- along with "Call me Ishmael." And Una Spenser, the transcendent hero at the center of Ahab's Wife may well become every bit as memorable as Ahab.

Inspired by a brief passage, in Moby, Dick, Sena Jeter Naslund has created an entirely new universe -- an epic-scale, enthralling and compelling saga, spanning a full, rich, eventful, and dramatic life. In the "soprano voice" whose absence critics lamented in Moby Dick -- the strong intelligent voice of a woman whose life is dominated by the sea -- Naslund tells many stories.

She narrates a family drama, as the child Una is sent away to live in a lighthouse to escape the blows of her religion-mad farther. She spins a romantic adventure, as Una finds early passion with a sailor, and disguised as a cabin boy, runs away to sea. She paints a portrait of a real, loving marriage, as through Una's eyes we see Ahab before the White Whale takes his leg and sends him into madness. Finally, she gives us a new perspective on the American experience, as the widowed Una makes a new life for herself in the company of Margaret Fuller, Frederick Douglass, Emersion and others.

Sena Jeter Naslund has thoroughly imbibed the spirit of Herman Melville, and that spirit permeates every scene of her novel. But great as her debt to Melville may be, Ahab's Wife stands alone, intact and vital. Inspired by a masterpiece, it is a masterwork in its own right.©1999 Sena Jeter Naslund, All Rights Reserved; (P)1999 Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Moby Dick move over, here comes Una

Ahab's wife gives a different dimension to the infamous Captain. Told through the eyes of ( ? can you guess ? ) his wife who's life's story is noteworthy in it's own right. Adventurous, sometimes thought provoking and fanciful.

Great Read

Loved the story line with depth and understanding of the sea, triumphs and hardships. Excellent!

A dear friend

I have read the book several times, and love the lyrical language. It was like having a wonderful companion with me while I worked outside, listening to this abridged version! I’m sure I will listen many more times!!

Wonderful epic

I heard the unabridged version of this novel and loved it. The writing was beautiful and the story captivated me. I don't know how the abridged version compares--I don't buy them.

wish I had the full version

The story and writing were great but I didn't realize it was the abridged veraion. There were so many holes, I now need to read the full version.