Customer Reviews

Belly of the Whale

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By the time we meet Hudson Catalina Emerald on the first pages of "Belly of the Whale," she's already lost both breasts, and "the beast," as she thinks of the breast cancer that killed both her mother and grandmother, is about to swallow it's third Catalina family member in succession; her.

She has reached a point just, and we mean JUST, short of death.

And then, from there, this tantalizing, lyrical, and utterly believable story unfolds like a wildflower after rain, revealing a surprising network of family connection, simple goodness, blind faith, and random acts of kindness that show humanity as it should be - and that despite Hudson's denial, has underlain and defined her existence all along.

Belly of the Whale is a stunning read, visceral and violent, yet at the same time utterly believable and gripping. Highly recommended.

Art Tirrell is the author of the 2007 adventure, "The Secret Ever Keeps."

Belly of the Whale is an extended metaphor that never outruns its material. Hudson Catalina, the protagonist, has lost both breasts to cancer, a disease also suffered by her mother and, she suspects, her grandmother. She tries not to think what lies in store for her daughter. She also tries not to think about the way her body has been crushed by the endless chemotherapy that her doctor--and her husband, friends, and family--insist she undergo.

Against this unsentimental backdrop, Hudson struggles to accomplish one last thing before she gives up, stops treatment, and lets the cancer win. In the midst of a raging New England blizzard, she goes to a neighborhood store, Whales Market, so she can put on what she is sure will be the last birthday party she will ever see her daughter celebrate. While she's there with the proprietor, Ruby Desmond, and Willy Wu, the mentally-impaired man/boy who helps her, low-life Buddy Baker arrives, drunk, angry, and ready for murder. Baker's gun and the raging storm outside keep everyone trapped until the final, bloody climax.

This novel/metaphor works because it is well-punctuated with good stories. Stories about the characters and people the characters know, stories about the town and world they live in, stories about the forces both positive and negative that shape their lives. The most compelling story is told by the narrator, Hudson Catalina, who not only tells us what's going on, but never loses sight of the real main character in the novel, her breast cancer.

This isn't a novel awash in sweetness and light. How could a woman who's undergone a double mastectomy and endured months of brutal chemotherapy have a sunny outlook on life? Thankfully, Merlino doesn't impose any Pollyanna treacle on the reader. Instead, she's written a powerful story about the emotional roller coaster that has captured not just Hudson but her husband, children, family, and friends. It's nerve-wracking for them, but a wonderful ride for the reader.

Belly of the Whale is a powerful and poignant novel about hope in the face of despair. It is a gripping tale filled with suspense and an unforgettable character in whose life we are immediately invested. Merlino does not disapppoint with this excellent read!

I hated to turn the last page of Belly of the Whale. When Hudson was dropped off to walk up her driveway in the snowstorm, I felt the heaviness of each step and trudged my way along with her. The author, Linda Merlino, made me feel this journey from the first page to the last. I know aisle 3 and felt the anxiousness, fear, helplessness, exhaustion, and horror of that trip down aisle 3. I savored the last chapter and craved the Epilog. I exclaimed "Yes" at Hudson's shallow breath saying "Jack". I was so pleased when the author tied all the loose strings together and gave us hope out of despair at those listed in attendance at the dedication of Willy Wu's market. I smiled reading that Carol Goldstein made it. "Were it not for hope, the heart would break". Linda Merlino gave her readers HOPE and a strong desire to read another one of her books.
Barbara E. Leone

The suspense and intrigue will continue to the last sentence of the book. Linda is a creative imaginative writer. Readers will enjoy this book.

This book is an experience not just a novel. The main character shares with you her unrelenting strength and continually keeps you guessing. An excellent read, just make sure you are prepared to read it in one sitting.

I read Linda's first book and loved it, and she did not disappoint with Belly of the Whale, it's a great read. Thank you Linda keep them coming!

I read Belly of The Whale in a half a day. I loved it! The writing reminded me of The Lovely Bones. It's that good! My husband picked it up to read before a doctor's appointment but had to put it down when he was called in to see the doctor. He told me afterwards that the opening pulled him in right away.

Every reader: male or female, cancer survivor or not, can relate to Belly of The Whale. We've all been at a point in our lives where we've had to examine our spiritual purpose and relationship to God. Hope is everything. If you lose hope, you lose your soul and survival mechanism.

This book gives a ray of sunshine to anyone who is struck with adversity whether it be physical sickness,financial disaster or depression and loneliness. It reaches out to those who feel there are no more life choices, no options, and all hope is gone. After reading this book they will know there is always hope, always-another choice, and they will be inspired to embrace life again. "Belly of the Whale" inspired me to make every day the best it can be.

There are two great experiences waiting for the reader of Belly of the Whale. The first is the touching story of woman named Hudson and her fight with breast cancer. The disease has taken her mother, grandmother and both of her breasts. She looks at her own daughter and wonders if she can possibly escape the Beast that's eaten all the women in the family. The battle is just about over, Hudson is losing and what remains is to use her last days in ways that have meaning.

As she stops at a local store to pick up supplies for the last birthday party she ever throws for her kid, a storm picks up and a homicidal killer enters.

The drama of this final scene will leave you gasping and it's hard not to imagine the movie. No spoilers here, but this book is a triumph.