Riveting
I first read this book probably 20 years ago and have never been without at least two copies: one to reread at intervals and one to loan. It's a beautifully crafted blend of two stories: the plight of the diminishing great whales, interwoven with a Russian nuclear submarine disabled on the ocean floor with all its occupants dying. No one who loves whales, or human beings, could fail to be touched by this book, and I guarantee you will never look at a marine mammal the same way again. Beautifully written - a jewel of a book. I've played a certain game with books all my life: if I'm to be stranded on an island for the rest of my life with only five pleasure reading books, what five will they be? The list has shifted over time, with some titles replacing others. "Sounding" has always been on the list and always will be.
