The Wolf in the Whale

Jordanna Max Brodsky wrote some of my favorite myth-based adventures: the Immortals series, which involves the Greek Gods taking on modern enemies in New York. I ate those books up with a SPOON–they were delicious, page-turning, time-demolishing escapism. So I thought I was going to get the same sort of binge-y dessert from The Wolf in the Whale, even though I knew she had turned to Inuit and Norse myth for this one.
Not. At. All.
There’s still adventure. There’s still romance. There’s still something addictive about how she weaves research into her plots.
But this is a major literary achievement, full of beautiful prose you want to slow down and take your time with. The first half of the book could be its own novel–the violent coming-of-age story of the 1000AD Inuit shaman Omat, who was born containing many spirits and who can talk to more. Then the second half is about the moment that Omat’s world changes–the Vikings have sailed over to Eastern Newfoundland and bad things are happening–and the unlikely alliances that come from cultures colliding.
You can’t race through TWITW in the same way you do the Immortals books, because the story itself is about mindful travel–Omat walks across the Eastern Arctic while communing with two sets of gods; the Norseman Brandr manages to walk a spiritual journey out of his own rampaging Viking past. You have to pay close attention as mythologies melt and then freeze into each other.
I think other people have mentioned how much this book makes you feel as though you’ve traveled to another world, and I agree, Brodsky has a real touch for evoking landscape and experience. What I was unprepared for was how much I wanted to stay in that other world despite its violence and deprivations…how I slowed down my reading as I went because I didn’t want to rush through it or have to leave it too soon.

Anyway, it’s a gorgeous book–I’m still reeling.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up The Wolf in the Whale. I had no idea that I was opening up a book that would become one of my new all-time favorites that I am sure to re-read many, many times in the future. I have almost never finished a book and immediately wanted to flip back to the beginning and start reading it again, but I absolutely had that desire for this book.

The world-building is one of the most prominent components of the story and is also what immediately drew me in–this world is as much a character in this story as any of the other characters. The setting takes place in what appears to be a real-world setting from 1000 AD in what is now subarctic Canada areas, but there are more magical elements in the form of the Inuit and Viking gods and how they interact with humans. Omat is a shaman, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, which also adds some magical elements in a way that feels genuine and respectful and makes me want to learn more about the world in this book and its inhabitants. I loved all of the mythology that expanded this world and made everything come together in a comprehensive way.

The Wolf in the Whale has a strong plot, but it’s the characters (along with the setting) that truly make this story as beautiful as it is. Omat is a stunningly complex protagonist with so many layers and so much development that I couldn’t help but develop an extremely strong connection with her. She is someone with a lot of internal struggles that often translate into outward conflicts with others and I think the balance of these conflicts is a rather notable aspect that I really appreciate. Brodsky notes in her research that the concept of Omat’s father being reborn into her is an older Inuit tradition that actually occurred, and although I cannot speak for any Inuit descendants or those who know the culture, it feels as though it was portrayed really well and in an honorable manner. The way that Brodsky handled the complex nature of Omat’s feelings around her gender was incredible and really made this story stand out. I also completely fell in love with Omat’s “pack” and think that addition to the story was flawless.

Another character that we eventually meet is Brandr, and though I won’t say much about him so as not to spoil anything, I want to note how well done his development was as well. Brandr develops not only throughout the current events of the story, but also in some of his background that we get to see that led him to the point he’s at when he actually becomes a prominent character in the story. This created a strong foundation not only for Brandr, but also for Brandr’s relationship to the Vikings and the nature of the Vikings themselves and their relationships with their gods and others.

One of the most creative and striking parts of The Wolf in the Whale was how Brodsky had both the Inuit and the Viking gods interact. Not only did she develop and give each group of gods their own distinct personalities and forms, she also had them merge and interact in ways that felt unlike anything I’ve seen before in books that feature various gods and mythologies. I also loved seeing how the gods meddled with humans in so many different ways.

It’s also worth noting that this is a brutal book as much as it is an emotional journey. There is unexpected, intense violence that showcases the harsh reality of the cruelties humans will inflict upon one another, whether because they do not know the culture of another people and view them as inferior or whether it is people of the same culture that they simply do not respect. It’s also brutal in the way that it shows the honesty of living in a climate as difficult as the arctic; there is a constant risk of messing up and having deadly consequences. Brodsky pulls no punches in this book.

One small last thing I’d like to say is that after I finished this book, I had a strong interest and desire to learn more about the Inuit culture and experience in this world, both in the past and present. This stands out to me because I always think it’s a positive reflection on the author’s part when a book makes the reader want to continue to learn about a particular subject after reading a book–it shows a dedication to research and respectful storytelling that shines the topic (in this case, Inuit culture) in such a light that I know there is long tradition and history to explore.

This book had me constantly hooked. Even when Brodsky was merely explaining how Omat and her family were using all parts of a whale or seal or building an iglu (which, by the way, I’ve always wanted to experience), I was captivated. Every last detail felt meticulous and and perfectly placed with care. This is a story of exploration and discovery. It’s a story that features survival, hope, strength, loss, understanding and tolerance, family, gods meddling with humands, and home. If you want to read a moving, unforgettable journey with no dull moments and characters that will leave you feeling as if you are a part of them, this is the perfect book. I have said this a lot, but I genuinely cannot recommend this book enough.

I was not prepared for the impact this book would have on me. I have read Jordannas other books and thoroughly enjoyed them, but The Wolf in the Whale is in a class all by itself. From the very first pages her striking prose brought Omats world vividly to lIfe and I didnt want to leave. There is something to be said of story set in a frozen world bled of familiar yet distracting colors and sensations. It forces you to truly live through the characters, to see and experience the world as they do.
The story centers around Omat, a young Inuk shaman that speaks to the spirit world for the benefit of the tribe. Omat draws the ire of one of their gods, is stripped of power and brings about several seasons of very bad luck for the tribe.
Their tribe is very isolated and small, they are near starvation when a band of Inuit hunters comes through their settlement chasing a whale to hunt. Omats people think they are saved as the new people have plenty of food to spare-but is the tribe leader friend or foe?
The first half of the book is a gorgeous read; youll want to sip it slowly and savor the detail of Jordannas outstanding world building as you learn about Omats life, culture and spiritual beliefs which are central to the book. The second half picks up in the action a bit as more characters are introduced and the inevitable culture clash with the Norsemen and their gods occur.
Oh and the wolf-dogs!!! No book set in the tundra would be complete without them and the author has created some of the most memorable characters in literature in this book. IMO.
I didnt want this book to end. It was just that good. I could stay in Omats world forever. Already it is on my list as one of the best books Ive read in the last 5 years and I read A LOT.

I had high hopes for this book having read the synopsis and reviews by others, most disappointed by the complete blandness of the tale

such a well written tale – with a different possible slant on history. hope to have a follow up

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