The Dolphin House; Audrey Schulman
Europa Editions - 2022
Set in the mid-1960s twenty-something Cora is a hearing-impaired cocktail waitress in Florida. One day tired of being man-handled while forced to wear a tight bunny suit, she buys a one-way ticket to Saint Thomas and her life is changed in a way she hadn't expected.
Dr. Blum is a Harvard research scientist and professor trying to learn more about dolphins but, his methods are rather cruel. Cora, discovers she has a gift of being able to hear these mammals and as she swims she slowly gains their trust. Dr. Blum sees something in Cora's way with the dolphins and offers her a job to study the dolphins with a goal of teaching them English. She is excited about the opportunity but insists that the cruel experimentation stop while she focuses on one particular dolphin named Junior. She even has a homearium built for her and Junior to share as they work together. Her progress and results are fascinating but, not everyone is thrilled. The other all male researchers see her as unqualified. As the only female and a slim, attractive one at that who has to spend 6-days a week in her swimsuit she is forced to put up with a lot in the days when sexual harassment wasn't taken seriously.
Based in part on a true story about dolphin research conducted by John Lilly, I really loved this story. This is a story that held me captive and had my emotions all over the place. It was so moving to see the progress Cora was able to make as she gained Junior's trust. There is a touching scene when Cora becomes frustrated but, she soon after discovers that her hard work pays off. At times I was angry about some of had happened but, the author's talent and involved research made this a very rewarding read.
Rating - 4.5/5 stars
NOTE: Thanks go to Europa Editions and Edelweiss for allowing me access to the satisfying book.
I'm not sure I'd like reading about dolphin abuse.
ReplyDeleteYes that part made me mad but, not a huge focus.
DeleteJust when I was thinking that the whole premise was kind of farfetched, you mention that it's based on a true story. Now I know I have to find a copy. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHey Sam, glad I reeled you in here, I really liked how the author made me care about Cora and the dolphins.
DeleteI love dolphins, so I definitely want to read this one.
ReplyDeleteSo well done too; I hope you will enjoy it.
DeleteI love reading fiction books with a touch of actual scientific research. This sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've had this one on my radar for a few weeks so was pleased to see your review, Diane. Two books I read mentioned this John Lilly and I wondered if the book was inspired by him. After some of what I read about the treatment of dolphins worldwide I'm not surprised the book was an emotional rollercoaster!
ReplyDeleteThe author did a very good job making you feel for the main character and the dolphins. I have another book by her on my shelves called: Three Weeks in December - about gorillas.
DeleteAmazing that this is based on a true story. I was thinking it sounded far-fetched, but I guess not.
ReplyDelete