Blueback: A Contemporary Fable

Abel Jackson, who lives with his widowed mother on the coast of Western Australia, has always been in love with the sea. He and his mother dive for abalone to make a living, but they are always careful not to abuse nature in any way. From the age of ten Abel is friends with a huge groper, "as fat as an opera singer," whom he names Blueback. Years later after he has become a successful marine biologist "married to another marine biologist," he returns to the place where he grew up to care for his aging mother, described as not your average mother for she too loves the sea and its inhabitants and simply outlasts the developers intent on building a resort where she lives, complete with a hotel, golf course, swimming pool, a marina with the accompanying "rich tourists," "international entrepreneurs" and whalewatchers. All Abel's life he is intent on learning the "language of the sea." Mr. Winton calls this extended short story "a contemporary fable" in which he says that we violate nature at our own peril. We can learn from the sea and its inhabitants by watching and listening. And greed is an awful thing. This little volume is a great book for children-- and their parents.

A glorious little book,to be read over and over

This book was read on Montana Public Radio, and is a wonderful, moving story of nature, change, and humanity. Rich in its simplicity, profound in its beauty. Highly recommended.

Brilliant, touching, superb. Highly recommend to anyone who's human. Life changing.

An easy to read, fresh alternative to the 'usual' literature. Excellent description and portrayal (sp) of a different lifestyle. Top Notch Tim.