Ahab's Wife (novel)

*Ahab’s Wife* by Sena Jeter Naslund is a novel that reimagines the life of Elsie, the wife of Captain Ahab from Herman Melville’s *Moby-Dick*. It explores her inner world, desires, and independence beyond her husband's obsessive quest. Set in the 19th century, the story delves into her personal growth, relationships, and struggles as she seeks meaning and self-discovery in a constrained society. The novel offers a richly detailed, humanized perspective on a woman often seen only through her association with Ahab, emphasizing themes of agency, resilience, and the complexity of individual identity.