Review: 'Cachalot' by Alan Dean Foster

Alan Dean Foster’s books have long been a part of my family. As a child in Monterey, Calif., I would often peruse the covers of my mom’s book collection. There I would find a wide array of captivating imagery, such as Brian Daley’s Han Solo series, Anne McCaffrey’s Pern novels and a collection of Foster’s novels such as “Midworld,” “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” and others. Among his lengthy list of works, and one of my mother’s books I still own, is the1980 novel “Cachalot.” These days my son, nine, has caught on to the adventure found in modern classic science fiction. He’s currently reading Splinter by himself, which equates to three generations of Foster fans in my family.
'Cachalot' by Alan Dean Foster, pictured
with Kazar the jungle plant.Cachalot, another name for sperm whales, centers on a series of mysterious incidents on the planet of the same name. Cachalot is an ocean planet, a perfect fit for the noble whales that reside there. The whales themselves were transplanted from Earth long ago and begrudgingly accept the presence of humans on their new world. Most do not deign to speak with them at all, out of respect for their cetacean ancestors who died at the hands of human hunters long ago. Humans, meanwhile, have built large floating cities on Cachalot and honor the whales by leaving them alone – at least for the most part. Some have forged friendships with the planet’s cetacean residents. Orcas, for one, tolerate humans far better than other species.
When human cities begin to disappear, destroyed by an unseen enemy, with no bodies found among the wreckage, the humans are forced to threaten their peace with the whales in order to get to the bottom of the mysterious attacks.
The short novel features adventure, mystery, romance and vivid imagery within its pages. The characters themselves are well rounded and believable – no small feat for a novel that barely reaches 300 pages. Readers explore the watery, exotic world through the eyes of Cora, a biologist sent to the planet to help unravel the mystery with the help of her daughter and other companions. The group of investigators is eventually joined by two delightful Orcas that help the crew in their inquiries. That investigation will lead them to wonders, and terrors, none expected to encounter.
The novel is a fun read for those seeking a quick literary sprint in the realm of sci-fi. Fans of films like The Abyss and Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home, will also find something to enjoy, as there as winking similarities to be found in them all, though Foster can boast that his novel came first. Some of the names, such as Mataroreva and Vai'oire, may be a little hard to wrap one’s mental tongue around.
Cachalot is part of Foster’s Humanx Commonwealth series, which includes “Midworld” and “Nor Crystal Tears” and others; the books are designed as stand-alone titles.
Visit Foster’s website here.