Pod

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2023

Once upon a time like now, two estranged dolphin tribes live at opposite ends of a remote tropical archipelago. At one end, where the water is cleaner, lives a tiny pod of spinner dolphins, spiritually refined and matriarchal. At the other is the raucous megapod of bottlenose dolphins, who once drove the gentle spinners from their home but now live in increasingly painful acoustic conditions––which they believe are caused by warring ocean demons. Circling the archipelago is a lone humpback whale, who sings warning to his people about the new perils of the old routes. And caught between the sanctuary of family and the vast unknown is a young spinner dolphin about to make the ultimate sacrifice. The ocean is changing beyond recognition, and every forced migration for survival spells new conflict.

In this epic, propulsive novel, Laline Paull explores the meaning of belonging, sanctuary, and courage in a metamorphosing undersea world increasingly haunted by the cruelty and ignorance of the human race.