Dundee Library & Information Services 

This is a service provided by the
Leisure and Communities Department  

Book Review

Whales for the Wizard
by Malcolm Archibald

  Extremely interesting content about Dundee and whaling. It was suggested that Archibald should concentrate on writing non-fiction, countered by the idea that the novel format may create more general interest. We found the army flashbacks interfered with the main story and that there was too much emphasis on Dundee as the setting. There was surprise that the seaman were not 'rough around the edges', using more 'Irvine-Welsh like' language, to match their hard life. Some characters were criticised as one dimensional. However the tale flowed well and we enjoyed unravelling the mystery - reviewed by Central Library - Tuesday Reading Group

  We enjoyed this book! We liked the Dundee setting and appreciated the historical accuracy, the characters and the use of language and felt the story had been well told. - reviewed by Arthurstone Reading Group