Under The Sea Wind - A Book Review

Under The Sea Wind
Written by Rachel Carson
First published in 1941
Recommended ages 17+
A book review by Anna Kay Thomas

This was the first book written by the renowned marine biologist and environmental hero, Rachel Carson. Different editions have varying illustrators, all with art that is beautiful and effectively paired with Ms. Carson’s awe-inspiring nature writing and knowledge. 

This book begins with a simple dedication to her mother. It is full of nature writing with a poetic tone and focuses on ocean ecology through a very immersive approach to the unfathomable vastness of aquatic life. The life journey of one mackerel alone is covered in multiple enlightening chapters. 

Appealing to both those who are interested in ocean ecology and those who aren’t, Ms. Carson creates excitement. She writes in such a way that the reader is able to remember what they have read and even able to recognize the creatures the author introduces. The role of every animal and how they contribute to the circle of life are honestly displayed with respect and appreciation for each one.

The education and research of Ms. Carson stand out strongly throughout the entire book, and gives a glimpse into her impressive understanding of the natural world. It features many creatures such as eels, ghost crabs, sanderlings, ctenophores, pteropods, mackerels, bald eagles, ospreys, and more that are a part of different saltwater and freshwater habitats. 

This book is for those who love the water, who want to understand it better, who desire an education from one of America’s greatest environmentalists, and who are looking for lyrical nature writing that gives an intimate insight into the lives of different creatures. Wishing you the best on your literary trek!

“They had been dark nights with the sea lying calm under a wide sky. On those nights the little stars of the plankton had rivaled in number and brilliance the constellations of the sky. From underlying depths the hordes of comb jellies and glassworms, copepods and shrimps, medusae of jellyfish, and translucent winged snails had risen into the upper layers to glitter in the dark water.” - Rachel Carson

Reflective Question: 

If you could follow the life of any aquatic creature, which one would you want to? 

Photography by Anna Kay Thomas