Multiracial adoptee TJ (Tao Jones) is the bane of his sports-obsessed high school principal’s existence – he has the ability to substantively contribute to Cutter High’s athletic achievements, maybe even taken them to the nationals, but he refuses to join a team. That is until he decides to help bullied special ed. loner Chris, vulnerable since his all-star big brother was tragically killed, by setting up a swim team. Only two things stand in his way – Cutter High doesn’t have a pool, and none of the other would-be team members can swim.
Crutcher’s main characters are articulate, self-aware, nuanced and passionate. His powerful writing tends to explore recurring themes – powerlessness, bullying, parental abuse, institutionalised abuse, resilience, the search for dignity, protection of the weak and defenceless by the strong, the need for strong male role models and mentors for young men, integrity, and sport (often as a metaphor for life). Despite this I find each novel unique, compelling, moving and inspiring, and Whale Talk is no different.
Crutcher doesn’t write fluffy, feel good work – his characters evolve and grow, but not without cost. His endings are bittersweet, and his villains are beautifully conveyed with moral greyness where black and white would be easier and more satisfying.
Crutcher is on my Amazon email notification list – I ordered Whale Talk as soon as it came out in paperback, and this is my second reading. It won’t be my last. - Alex
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