Death of a Whaler [Paperback]

Nerida Newton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

In a small seaside town, a young whaler, Flinch, is involved in a horrible accident that leaves a fellow whaler dead and a stunned Flinch holding onto a bloody knife. Trapped by his shame, Flinch grows into manhood as a recluse, unable to move beyond the fatal event. His town’s economy and stability also suffer from its bloody history as the ocean’s turbulent waves become barren and unyielding. Only after crossing paths with Karma, a girl living in a commune in the hills, does Flinch begin a journey toward wholeness that communicates one man’s desire for redemption despite a sea of misfortune and hardship.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Newton's second novel (following The Lambing Flat) follows eccentric, personable gimp Flinch, who ekes out an existence in 1975 while living in the lighthouse cottage of eastern Australia's Byron Bay. He's anguished by guilt for his accidental killing of his best friend, Nate West, 13 years before, and has painful memories of his autocratic, unhappy mother. His half-hearted diversions are caring for the semi-feral but always comical goats, surf fishing, and drinking his rum until he befriends the free-spirited commune girl Karma. Formerly a whale spotter on a fishing boat, Flinch introduces Karma to the graceful whales. Karma's abrupt trip to settle some family business reveals to Flinch how much she really means to him. Discernable echoes of E. Annie Proulx's The Shipping News don't detract from this novel's own memorable protagonist skillfully tied to his maritime setting.
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About the Author

Nerida Newton is the author of The Lambing Flat, winner of the 2002 Queensland Premier's award for an emerging author.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1741147913
• ISBN-13: 978-1741147919
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,142,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Listened to this on audio, June 8, 2008

By 

Barbara Lane "Audio Books only" (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Death of a Whaler (Paperback)

I only listen to audio stories. Got this from the library. Couldnt get into the story at all. I don't have problems with whaling stories and or killing whales in the old days for a living. read Secret of the Sea by Jessica Blair (sad about the whale killing, men dying while trying to kill whales but what an incredible story and then a love story a must read 5 stars)

5.0 out of 5 stars A stunner of a novel, September 24, 2011

By 

Jane - See all my reviews

This review is from: Death of a Whaler (Paperback)

I just discovered Nerida Newton and this book blew me away. Her way with words paints pictures... I could smell the grass and the sea breeze. In my humble opinion, she is up there with Tim Winton. As the book begins in the era of whaling, some passages are harrowing but obviously necessary to the story... my only gripe; when she mentions a 'store' and as this a truly Australian novel, 'shop' is far more appropriate.