Shark Drunk
The Art of Catching a Large Shark from a Tiny Rubber Dinghy in a Big Ocean
Morten Strøksnes author Tiina Nunnally translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Vintage Publishing
Published:5th Jul '18
Should be back in stock very soon
This captivating tale follows two friends on a quest to catch the elusive Greenland shark, exploring themes of adventure and friendship throughout Shark Drunk.
In Shark Drunk, two men embark on an extraordinary journey in a small boat, pursuing the elusive Greenland shark in the remote Lofoten islands of Norway. This captivating narrative is not just about fishing; it is a profound exploration of the sea's mysteries, its hardships, and the wonder it brings. The authors, Morten Strøksnes and his friend Hugo, share their experiences, revealing the enchantment of the ocean and the deep philosophical questions that arise during their adventure.
The Greenland shark, a creature that can grow up to twenty-six feet long and live for over two centuries, becomes a symbol of the ocean's secrets. With its hypnotic, parasite-covered eyes and toxic meat that can induce hallucinations, the shark represents both danger and allure. As Morten and Hugo navigate the challenges of their quest, they confront not only the elements but also their own fears and aspirations. The narrative beautifully intertwines their friendship with the broader themes of nature and existence.
Shark Drunk is more than just a fishing story; it is a love letter to the sea, celebrating the extraordinary life that thrives beneath its surface. The book captures the essence of adventure, friendship, and the profound connection humans can have with the natural world, making it an unforgettable read for anyone who has ever felt the call of the ocean.
Full of personal anecdotes, facts on marine life and life in general along coastal Norway, and about the hunt for a big fish ... So, the book is much like fishing I guess — it’s not about the catch, it’s about just being there. -- Jo Nesbo * New York Times *
A description of what happens to dead whales gives way to an impressively thorough history of the Aasjord family’s cos-liver-oil business… Shark Drunk does contain plenty of interesting stuff. -- James Walton * Daily Telegraph *
Stroksnes’s sidelong approach to science is beguiling… There are moments of adventure… but the triumph of this book is it descriptions… Its beauty, undemanding science and soothing, musing qualities have made the book a bestseller in Norway and beyond. -- Horatio Clare * Observer *
A fine book. A hymn of love to the sea. The story of a friendship. And a sad chronicle of so much that is wrong about our relationship with the oceans. Deserves to be read widely. -- James Rebanks, author of THE SHEPHERD'S LIFE
Mr Stroksnes beautifully describes the midnight sun, majestic fjords and moody stretches of sea, the changing light and the peaks that rise up out of the water, as well as the Moskstraumen, a system of whirlpools long feared by sailors… Putting "shark-drunk" man into perspective as the real threat to the ocean is one of the many threads Mr Stroksnes has pulled together in a narrative that takes in history and philosophy, mythology and folklore, from Norway's fishing past to science and the cosmos. Rather than an account of two men trying to catch a shark, it is really a homage to the sea and a call to arms to protect the ecosystem that humans treat so abysmally yet rely on so much. * Economist *
- Winner of Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2018 (UK)
ISBN: 9781784704346
Dimensions: 190mm x 136mm x 23mm
Weight: 280g
320 pages