I came away feeling like I’d had a striking nightmare of cannibalistic tinge, but what an easy and engrossing read. Philbrick narrates the true tale of the Essex, a whaleship sunk by an angry sperm whale in 1820 (and spurred the core of the plot of Moby-Dick). If you like Melville, or want to know about Nantucket, or if you like boats and the sea–this is the book for you. Doesn’t even feel like history, just adventure.

***1/2 (of 5)