Driftwhistler: A Story of Daniel Au Fond - Hardcover

Shachtman, Tom

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805012850 ISBN 13: 9780805012859

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co, 1991

Synopsis

At the head of a band of thirteen different species of sea mammals, Daniel the sea lion seeks to fulfill a legend and find Pacifica, the long-drowned, ancient home cove of their race

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8-- Third in a trilogy, this volume brings the story of Daniel au Fond, sea lion extraordinaire, to a dramatic--if cliff-hanging--conclusion. Daniel and his tribe, accompanied by representatives of the marine mammal groups, embark on a quest to discover their fabled ancestral home, long-lost Pacifica, before the bipeds (humans) totally befoul and despoil the seas. Daniel learns many of the shamanistic skills necessary to be a true Driftwhistler, and while Pacifica ultimately is found, it proves no sanctuary for the beleaguered creatures. In fact, its discovery debunks a long-cherished myth and brings Daniel and the others to the realization that true communication must be established with the bipeds before it is too late for the common good. Readers familiar with the previous books will find explanatory references annoying; those unfamiliar with them would be totally at sea without them, and may be confused even with them. The mystical element is much more pronounced in this volume, and the messages--antipollution, antiexploitation of animals, conservation of resources, cooperative living among species, and the place of spirituality in daily life--are also strong. A certain sell to those who have already made Daniel au Fond's acquaintance. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

In the last of a trilogy, sea-lion Daniel au Fond achieves his heart's desires--gathering representatives of the 13 tribes of seagoing mammals, and finding Pacifica, where legend says his kind and humans once lived harmoniously together--only to discover that his quest has just begun. Constantly recalling his previous adventures (Beachmaster, 1988; Wavebender, 1990), Daniel evades oil slicks and other pollution; rescues some fellow sea mammals from captivity; and discovers, on the back of an ancient turtle, a map that leads him to a partly sunken island. In a vision, Daniel learns that his kind had once been captive even here, but freed themselves in a bloody long-ago rebellion; he then realizes that it's up to him to teach humans to respect all life. The author's indictment of our brutality to animals and of destructive environmental practices is on the mark, but the plot's a ritualistic mix of convenient turns and token conflict. The anthropomorphism of the various seals, sea otters, cetaceans, etc., further undercuts the immediacy of the message. Daniel's fans are likely to be disappointed by the vaguely articulated resolution. For a better-written, more compelling fantasy that considers the same themes, see Ruth Park's My Sister Sif (p. 675). (Fiction. 11-13) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0805012850
• ISBN 13: 9780805012859
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176