Soundings

Soundings by Doreen Cunningham is a compelling exploration of nature, resilience, and the bond between mother and son. This poignant memoir chronicles Doreen's daring journey as she follows the grey whale migration from Mexico to the Arctic alongside her toddler, Max. After initially visiting Alaska as a BBC journalist to report on climate change among indigenous whaling communities, Doreen found herself deeply enmeshed in an Inupiaq family and an ill-fated love affair, which led her to join the bowhead whale hunt on the sea ice. Years later, as a single mother living in a hostel, she embarks on this extraordinary pilgrimage. Her quest takes her to the Arctic, where the paths of grey and bowhead whales intersect at the melting apex of our planet. This journey becomes a symbolic quest for survival, connection, and hope in a rapidly changing world.

"Beautiful ... Justifies its place alongside nature writing classics such as H is for Hawk" — NEW STATESMAN

"Wonderful... both frank and fearless" — TELEGRAPH BEST TRAVEL BOOKS OF THE YEAR

"Fascinating" — GUARDIAN TOP TEN NATURE MEMOIRS

Doreen's narrative interweaves her profound personal journey with the majestic and perilous migration of the whales, bringing to life the urgent and immediate impact of climate change. Her story unfolds with unflinching honesty, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the instinctual drive for survival shared by species across the planet.

"As compelling as any novel... A human story of resilience, loss and immense bravery. It becomes not just a book about mother and son, whales, the climate, but a book about power and what happens when power is abused. It is a rallying call for love" — Alice Kinsella, IRISH TIMES

"In this melodic memoir, the climate researcher turned journalist parallels the whales' journey with her own through parenthood" — Shreya Chattopadhyay, NEW YORK TIMES

Soundings got under my skin. I finished it in tears" — Amy Liptrot

"What a voice! What a book!" — Charles Foster

"Soulful, honest, insightful, humane and propulsive" — Jini Reddy

"Thrilling, passionate and tender-hearted" — Helen Jukes

Winner of the RSL Giles St Aubyn Award

Longlisted for the SHNH Natural History Book Prize

One of Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best Books About Travel of 2022

Each passage of Soundings resonates with the deep, rhythmic heartbeat of the natural world, and the book stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of both humans and whales. It is a finely-tuned call to those who yearn for a world where every journey, no matter how arduous, is a step towards enlightenment and connection. Whether you're captivated by the mysteries of the sea or the resilient human spirit, this book promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart.