Andrew Benesh > Recent Status Updates

Section one has some great reflections on how noise and silence define or interactions. The ideas of expectation and control resonate well. I feel like that's a lot more to be said about boundaries, and I hope the theme is revisited later.

I appreciate get husband's begrudging acceptance is her silent days - it's not a small ask, even though it's such a simple thing.

The first chapter feels somewhere between Annie Dillard (yay) and the Celestine Prophecy (boo). The notion of silence as a radical act makes sense. I find myself reflecting on my students as I think about the pressure to always act, and the value of stillness.

Done! The final battles and efforts to bring everyone together worked well. I appreciate that Onas was called out for his entitlement, but disappointed that the mothers didn't challenge him. Tone's progress towards atonement, if it can be called that, was earnest and well measured. The trust between Xilyka and Heloise (and the romance) worked well, especially in the final chapters.

The major battles with the demons have been intense. I understand why Tone lives, but his death would be satisfying.

Well, that was an unexpected is of icicles.

Heloise take can't catch a break. The duality of being a leader but being untrusted is well captured, and creates an interesting tension. I appreciate that Heloise's need and inability to grieve is given overt recognition.

Done! The rest is footnotes. The final sections on the death of American whaling were surprisingly poignant. At the same time, I'd like to see an extension into those countries and practices that did continue, especially Norway and Japan. The very notion of hunting Blue Whales is insane.

In 1871 33 whale ships (1200+ sailors) were list to the arctic ice without a casualty. That's nuts.

Also, the walrus hunting and it's impact on Canadian natives is an interesting untold story that reeks of British colonialism.

It's crazy to think that people were expecting petroleum to define political platforms as early as 1860. Also, wild hogs as "land whales" is delightful and smelly.

It's interesting to think of the US Civil War as a worldwide naval conflict. The use of fleets to blockade ports and terrorize industries isn't part of the normal narrative. In honestly amazed the captain of the Shenandoah want or to death after continuing his attacks for months after the war's end reached him.

So. Much. Mutiny.

So. Many. Angry. Whales.

I love that there's an entire chapter to remind you that whaling isn't glamorous and it's, in fact, quite horrible work.

That was a surprisingly long chapter on the Golden Age of American Whaling. I enjoyed the historical vignettes of famous and important whalers and artists. Down with Nantucket!

The section on Porter and the war of 1812 was pretty cool! That said, the observations about the benefits of burning rather than capturing boats had merit.

The importance of whale boats sitting the Revolutionary War, and the duplicity of Nantucket were new to me. The colonial dependence on whaling, and the British denial of the Golf Stream were neat.

Basically, everything in the 1700s & 1800s was made of whale oil.

The Cpt. Paddock story is great, as is the observation that Cpt. Hussey's exploits night be exaggerated on account of him being 6 years old at the time. The new section on Sperm Whale hunting in the open ocean is exciting!

The chapters on early colonial whaling provide an interesting lens on early ideas of common goods (in drift whaling). It's notable how quickly racial slavery comes into play, as does organized religion's efforts to siphon funds from workers. The influence of shore whaling on the timing of the school year raises interesting questions about the modern calendar!

Chapter 2 provides an interesting case against Native American whaling on the East Coast, cutting issues in archeological evidence and questionable eyewitness accounts. The harvesting of beached whales makes more sense.

It's interesting to think about the influence of whaling on European interested in colonizing North America. The notion that John Smith's second voyage was mostly meant to find right whales rather than being about territory and fur trapping isn't something we talk about much. One wonders what the history of the US would be like if he'd found right whales instead of fin whales.

Done! I'm hopeful we'll see some of these faces on TRoS. I can see the lack of Hera criticism, and hope will get other stories to fill in that absence (much like with Vi).

Bratt got off easy.

I love how much attention Poe's hair is getting. Fancy party Finn is a delight. Bratt somehow had managed to sink to being even worse, though it's not surprising.

The missions make sense, and should be a good showcase for the characters.

I like that Poe had to keep working at re-acceptance. Norra and Wedge are beautiful in sync. The book has a real respect for the loss and trauma the characters have been through. I'm happy that Ransolm lives! Monti is getting interesting - he's a good reflection in what privilege looks like.

The throwback to Bloodlines and the suggestion that maybe Ransolm survived was great. The connections to Lost Stars and Aftermath continue to be great. There was even a brief nod to Rebels and Clne Wars. You can tell the author loves the source material, and is going years of work together.

Chapter 5 is just full of gut punches. I love that Aftermath and the losses at Crait are getting full recognition, and the execution here with is fantastic. You can feel these characters hurting as they get the news.

Bespin 2.0 went as well as should be expected. I do not like this new Corrllian fellow.

I like the Aftermath connections. Poe's taking responsibility feels important. I like the discussion about penance rather than redemption.