Whale Song

Anyone who has heard the haunting sound of a whale's song will never forget it. So it is with this story, mystical, honest, haunting and wonderful. So emotional in fact, that I am writing this review while my eyes are still damp with tears. Tears of joy, tears of sorrow, and a great feeling of enlightenment and belonging. The rich blend of lifestyles from the prairies of Wyoming to Vancouver Island's rugged west coast in British Columbia, both very remote, brings together a family who have never seen an ocean to the very shores in their new home, and a traditional indian family whose roots go back many hundreds of years. The area around Bamfield is largely populated by the Huu-ay-aht Tribe and the warmth of the people represented in show more this novel is passed on to us in a way that feels personal. Cheryl Kaye Tardif, you moved me. I read this straight through without setting it down once.

The story begins with Sarah, an eleven year old girl, learning that her marine-biologist father has been offered an opportunity he can't refuse, nor wants to, to live and work near Bamfield for a couple of years. His artist wife, well-known for her paintings of the plains will have the opportunity to paint different scenes in their new home. Sarah of course does not want to move, her best friend is here in Wyoming. However, at eleven one has little in the way of choices. But Sarah has no idea how much her new home will change her life. Though well-populated with many full-fledged characters, this is really Sarah's story.

If I take nothing more away with me from reading this book, these three alone were worth the read: live life fully; "forgiveness will set you free"; know when to let go. Of course I loved many things about this book, and it deals with many subjects that afflict peoples lives today. [On a personal note, I mean no disrespect when I refer to our native people as indian. As a Chief once told my husband when he asked what he wanted him to call him, he said to call him an indian, the government made him an indian when they created the legislation in the 1800s, and they call themselves indian because why should they keep changing names, because someone tells them to?]*

Very soon after arriving at their new rural home, Sarah meets Goldie, her neighbor who is indian and also eleven. They become the best of friends and very soon both families become as close as non-family can be. Goldie's grandmother Nana, regales the girls with many legends, and yet it seems that she is tapping into something that Sarah is thinking or troubled about. I know, you are wondering about the whales. Sarah had been warned by her parents never to swim past the float because a young boy had tried to swim to the nearby island the year before and drowned. Sarah soon hears from Goldie that she believes her brother is now an Orca (Killer Whale) and swims nearby so she can talk to him. Nana narrates the legend to the girls later and Sarah then understands what Goldie was talking about. Sarah's mother and Nana have also become good friends, and incorporating something of the legends in her newer paintings have given her even more notice for the mystic quality they present.

When school starts, the girls find they are in the same classroom, and sit next to each other. But trouble brews for Sarah in a case of racism and bullying all through the first year. All is not terror for her though, as she becomes popular among her classmates and has also caught the eye of a popular young boy Adam, causing her to giggle and blush every time he looks at her. Goldie tells her he is part Haida, part white. A field trip on the boat Sarah's father does his research on brings a great windup to the school year. They are all mesmerized by the sounds of both fish and whales after Sarah's father drops the echolocation microphone into the water and turns the volume up so all can hear. Adam in particular looks toward his future as he learns as much as he can from Sarah's father.

The book takes place over approximately 13-14 years and there is so much to tell, but I will not plant spoilers. I have left a large part of the book undiscussed. Let me just say that this is one book I am thrilled to have had the opportunity not only to read, but to feel. It is as though I was dropped into the mind of Sarah and existing within these pages myself, feeling every emotion. Cheryl Kaye Tardif, you are an inspiration! The version I am reviewing is an ebook, and is more recent than the original printed book (I chose the pdf file and printed it because I don't have a reader). This book should be read by everyone, perhaps a little too sad in places for young children but definitely for 12+ because some of the lessons learned, almost by absorption, are particularly applicable to that age group. For the rest of us, we are never too old to learn something new, and sometimes you can go home again.*
*This review is written by a Canadian reader, reference to legislation is Canadian show less

This book was much too short. I didn't want the story to end.
Yes, it did wrap up any loose ends. We were not left wondering
where any of the special characters ended up. But I wanted more.
I wanted more about Nana and the Warriors, and Adam and all
of the wonderful characters that made this a story.

I picked this up as a kindle freebie, but I will have to buy a
a hard cover copy to place on my shelves. I can't let this one
slip away. I will want to read it again and again.

This is a book for all ages, for anyone who is part of a family,
or who has friends, or who doesn't. Read it. Really. Don't wait.

I enjoyed this book very much, and this is the review I wrote for Amazon.

Whale Song was an intense one day read. It tugged at my emotions, memories and experiences like no book has for a long time. My favorite kind of story, it engages the reader to examine themselves and what they believe. Not challenging, but gently encouraging.
Written for young adults, it is a coming of age story which will transport adults back to that time of life. The struggles, heartbreaks, insecurities and fears. But it doesn’t stop there. It also shows the love and comfort of family and friends, the sacrifice of parents, the gift of forgiveness and the difficult decisions which face us all at some point in our lives.
It is about a young girl’s beginning in show more a new land, Canada. We see the friendships she gains, the difficulties of race and fitting into her new school, and the horror which waits for her in the future. Whale Song has insights into the Myths and Beliefs of the Nootka Natives on Vancouver Island, and the Orcas which inhabit those seas.
The level of writing is aimed at young adults, yet I would not hesitate to share this with my adult friends. It is a simple read technically, but not spiritually. show less

The folklore in this book was really interesting and the author did a great job painting the scenery for me. I was ready to hop on a plane and go play with the whales. I guess my biggest issue was the constant foreshadowing of what was to come. I got annoyed with the references in every chapter to the horrible tragedy that the summary already said was coming.

Genre: YA fiction

Summary: Eleven year old Sarah moves to Canada with her parents when her father accepts a post to study whales off the coastline. Even though she leaves everything behind, Sarah discovers that life can become complicated in a heartbeat. Or in the absence of one.

The Take-Away: One of the very charming aspects of Tardif's tale are the Eskimo stories that are woven naturally into the narrative. Sarah learns many of them from her new best friend's grandmother. Every one holds a lesson about life, but Sarah and Goldie love them for the adventure and strength of the characters. Sarah draws on this strength when her father is forced to decide whether or not to fulfill her mother's wishes: Don't let her live through the show more assistance of a machine.

While this aspect of the book is the focus of the marketing, really, it's not until the end that the reason for it becomes apparent. Many of the challenges Sarah developed as much of her character. Sarah is one of the only white children in her new hometown and is subjected to racism. One classmate has a father who physically and mentally abuses her.

The narrative does flow Sarah into adulthood. The story didn't give enough time to show her grow and change her voice, however. The same girl tells every aspect of the story, even though the initial narrative is told from the eleven-year-old's point of view. I also felt that more time could have been spent developing the historic setting. After all, assisted suicide is controversial today; in 1977 it would have been explosive. Sarah withdraws into herself, and little interaction between her and the rest of the town is relayed. Understandably, Sarah draws on the same artistic bent that was her mother's livelihood.

Recommendation: It's a tough topic that is handled well. Definitely read it with your child. show less

For Anyone Young or Young At Heart

I found this book spiritual, mystical and very sweet. Cheryl Kaye Tardif writes like the flow of a river. I was transported to this tiny island in Canada and felt life I had also grown up there. Some people will say that since it is focused on a young girl coming of age, men/boys may not relate to it... this is absolutely false... anyone who is young or young at heart will love this book. I plan on buying copies for many of my friends and family this December. It will forever hold a small place in my heart.

This book told a beautiful story of a young girl who experienced a personal tragedy, but at the same time, learned life lessons from some very special people.

Within a native culture setting in Canada, young Sarah moved there with her mom and dad, away from everything she knew. After they arrived at their new home, her father (a marine biologist) began his new job and shared his excitement with his wife and daughter Sarah.

Sarah met a new young friend, Goldie, and her very spiritual, mystical grandmother, Nana, who showed Sarah the ways of her people and taught her a different way of thinking.

Sarah experienced a difficult time adapting to a new school with mostly Indian children. But nothing could compare with what Sarah experienced show more later, when her whole world came crashing down around her.

Although the book was a very easy read, I could not put it down. The text flowed perfectly and the story was very beautiful. A great story for young or old. show less