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Not Forgetting The Whale

Ironmonger, John

  20 Reviews

When a computer programme he designs predicts the end of the world as we know it, Joe Haak leaves London in a panic. He eventually washes up on the shores of St Piran in Cornwell where, fortunately, he is able to persuade the close-knit community to heed his warning.

In this hopeful post-apocalyptic story the author skilfully combines the theories of macroeconomics with the unpredictability of human nature producing a thoughtful, enjoyable tale. As for the whale? Well, there turns out to be a bit of a myth about whales in St Piran ...

Pages
366
Year
2015

Reviews

NELS 075
05-10-2023
This was a very quirky read and was enjoyed by all members, bar 1!! But the discussion was fabulous.
CHCH 558
02-10-2023
A surprisingly divisive book. Half of the group hated it, the other half enjoyed it. We enjoyed looking at the pandemic aspect after a pandemic, and one of our members would like to have been a fly on the wall and listen to what other book clubs had to say in 2019, and at various stages of the pandemic. We also enjoyed some of the more philosophical topics of the book, particularly around economic growth. Some members really disliked the writing style and shallow characters, and felt some of the topics could have been explored in more depth.
NIGHT 001
14-06-2023
This was not a hugely popular read with some struggling to finish and others not finishing at all. Having said that, discussion of the topics was animated, in depth, and avid! Probably the best discussion we've had all year. Likely due to Covid recent events, it felt more plausible and close to home.
HAMIL 034
17-10-2022
We really enjoyed this book. Well-written, realistic characters, and a situation that could easily happen - as seen in Covid lockdown.
MAST 007
27-04-2022
We all greatly enjoyed this book.
AUCK 339
12-01-2022
Loved by all. Scarily relevant.
TAUP 009
20-08-2020
We all loved this book. Particularly as we read it during lock-down. A hopeful apocalypse story is a very rare find! We appreciated all the research notes in the back of the book, and had quite a discussion on them. We did feel there were the odd parts of the story that were a bit implausible, such as the whale part of the story.
AUCK 255
19-08-2020
Although we had some reservations about the various plot holes in this book, it stimulated lively discussion because our meeting coincided with the global recognition of COVID-19 in February 2020. The flow-on impact of different events on the economy and society described by the algorithm is food for thought.
KATIK 001
08-05-2019
An easy read which gave insights into the investment world, and to possible scenarios into the breakdown of society as we know it. It was during discussion that we became aware of inconsistencies in the story, like tracking the whereabouts of Joe, and his departure in a fitted out luxury yacht, but decided on the whole it was a story with all loose ends tied up.
HAMIL 003
08-05-2019
The fable-like quality of the story-telling didn't appeal to everyone in the group, but all agreed that it raised many interesting and important issues. We had a great discussion generally, and then specifically, prompted by the questions.
NORTH 002
08-05-2019
Almost unanimous reaction - a fun, positive and optimistic book.
DIAM 001
08-05-2019
An easy and enjoyable read which did stimulate a good discussion on serious subjects.
AUCK 284
08-05-2019
This was an interesting and thought-provoking read which six of us thoroughly enjoyed, and two didn't! A heart-warming tale with good characterisations.
WANG 001
08-05-2019
All enjoyed the book. Good discussion and made us all think a bit.
WANAK 009
16-05-2018
Great read - enjoyed by all.
DUNED 071
16-05-2018
We all read the book and enjoyed it. Although it wasn't very believable, it was an interesting story that deals with contemporary issues.
LEVIN 001
16-05-2018
Several people found it hard to get started but everyone enjoyed, even loved it. We enjoyed the ideas explored and the fable/fairy tale aspect - and the humour!
HAVE 011
16-05-2018
Mostly enjoyed. Too contrived and 'tidy' however. Average score would be 7/10.
ROTO 002
16-05-2018
A story of survival, and of people pulling together. The scene setting was very well done, and provoked good discussion. Credible, well-painted characters. Survival instincts were discussed - so many unknowns.
CHCH 237
16-05-2018
We all loved this book! Great discussion about supply lines and our reliance on these; and about the earthquake and helping each other.