Customer Reviews

A Deeper Sea

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Alexander Jablokov's account of man's first contact with Dolphin's, A Deeper Sea refuses to stick to any fomula, repeatedly taking the novel in unexpected directions and refusing to romanticize anything, especially his Dolphin's. A Deeper Sea is a quirky, intelligent novel, full of surprises.

A Deeper Sea has been unfairly criticized, I think, because reviewers were looking at it mainly as hard science fiction. And, certainly, the hard SF elements are there. This book includes plenty of scientifically credible portrayals of marine mammal communication, underwater and space exploration, and so on. And it's humorous that the dolphins, whom we tend to sentimentalize, turn out to be SOBs when they start talking.

But the real focus of this book is the main character's spiritual journey, as he is gradually transformed by guilt and self-punishment. There is much meditation on the nature of god (in the generic sense) and human responsibility toward the divine. Though it's been a few years since I read Dostoyevski's Crime and Punishment, I think A Deeper Sea has much the same agenda. It's probably not a coincidence that the main character is a Russian, of the gloomy and philosophical variety.

Those who enjoy a strong character study and the pleasures of philosophy will find this unusual book a rewarding read.

Well, this was a very interesting premise for a book - sort of a darker version of Grimwood's _Into The Deep_. The dolphins were certainly not cute and cuddly. It was a rather grim, but fascinating story. As it moved through time, it was a bit... abrupt. The story didn't flow all that smoothly, but it certainly was interesting. Although, Jablokov's 2015 was not remotely similar to Back to the Future Part II's 2015 - not a hoverboard or flying car in sight!

This was a very interesting book. Jablakov does a wonderful job in a futuristic story about the interactions of Dolphins, Whales, Humans, and the God that is waited for. A definate page turner, worth the wait of finding an out of print copy.

This is my favorite Jablokov novel. I feel it was his most original (not to say his others are bad). I suggest everyone purchase it.