When the Whales Leave

By Yuri Rytkheu, Ilona Yazhbin Chavasse (translator),

Book cover of When the Whales Leave

Book description

Nau cannot remember a time when she was not one with the world around her: with the fast breeze, the green grass, the high clouds, and the endless blue sky above the Shingled Spit. But her greatest joy is to visit the sea, where whales gather every morning to gaily…

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Why read it?

1 author picked When the Whales Leave as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Nadine Willems

Author

I always thought that whales were partly human. When the Whales Leave confirmed my suspicion.

Inspired by the foundational tale of the Chukchi People of far-eastern Siberia, the story is a deep reflection on the interconnectedness between mankind and the natural world and on the forces that disrupted the equilibrium. In Yuri Ritkheu’s universe, whales used to come back near shore every year, spouting joy, wisdom, and love on their surroundings. Then they became silent. And I am left thinking about what we owe to these monarchs of the sea and may be about to forget forever.

From Nadine's 3 favorite reads in 2023.