Wild Words Newsletter
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Call Me Ishmaelle by Xiaolu Guo is a groundbreaking reimagining of Herman Melville’s classic Moby-Dick, told through the eyes of a daring, cross-dressed female sailor. This ambitious and evocative narrative immerses readers in the tumultuous world of the 19th-century whaling industry, exploring themes of survival and identity.
Set against the backdrop of 1843, Ishmaelle’s adventure begins in a quaint coastal village in Kent, where she shares an enchanting connection with dolphins. After suffering the heartbreaking loss of her family, she disguises herself as a cabin boy, seeking both adventure and a fresh start in bustling New York.
This novel intricately weaves Ishmaelle’s feminine perspective into the harsh realities of whaling, providing readers with a fresh lens through which to view this timeless tale. As the American Civil War looms in 1861, Ishmaelle embarks on a perilous journey aboard the Nimrod, helmed by the formidable Captain Seneca, a Black free man burdened by a haunting past. She encounters a diverse cast, including Kauri, a Polynesian harpooner, and Muzi, a wise Taoist monk whose insights guide her through treacherous waters.
Xiaolu Guo’s Call Me Ishmaelle is not just a retelling; it is a powerful exploration of embracing one’s true self amid a chaotic world. Dive into this transformative journey today.
ISBN: | 9781784745608 |
Author: | Xiaolu Guo |
Format: | Hardback |
Imprint: | Chatto & Windus |
Publisher: | Vintage Publishing |
Dimensions: | 242 x 164 x 40 mm |
Publication Date: | 20 March, 2025 |
Pagination: | 448 pages |
Weight: | 666g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’