The Pull of the Ocean

by Jean-Claude Mourlevat

Book Overview

On a stormy night, little Yann Doutreleau wakes up his six older brothers, all twins. He lets them know that they must flee their home--or risk being killed by their violent father. Without question,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385733488
• ISBN13: 9780385733489
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Delacorte Press
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.2"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

The Pull of The Ocean

The Pull of the Ocean is about a family in France, the Doutreleaus that have seven sons. Six of them are twins, the oldest pair 14 years old, the middle pair 13, and the youngest pair 11. The youngest son, Yann is 10, but is no more than the size of a 2-year-old. Yes, Yann is a midget, but really has none of the deformations that most dwarves carry with them. He is just small. Yann also is mute- but only by choice. Instead of talking, he communicates perfectly in his own version of sign language, making himself perfectly clear. But really, the only reason that his rigid parents kept him was because they thought that he would be useful in getting into small areas that others could never fit in. Yann's father, Louis, is a, cold, heartless man that only wants work out of his boys, and really doesn't give a care about school. Which gives him one ore reason to outcast Yann. The small boy loves school more than anything, given it's one of the few things that his small size doesn't affect. Louis also gets into many arguments with his wife who has a somewhat similar attitude but is slightly more forgiving. One night, though, Yann wakes to the sound of his parents arguing. He slips out of the bed that he shares with his two oldest brothers as quietly as he can, but still manages to wake one of his brothers. Yann simply explains in his sign language that he is going down stairs to hear their parents' argument better. His older brother nods, and Yann silently slips downstairs. When Yann returns to the room, he has a look of fear on his face, and nervously wakes his brother. He signs that their parents are planning to kill them in the morning, and that all of them must leave now if they wish to survive. Yann's asks in a hushed tone where they are going to go. Little Yann calmly answers, "The Ocean". So as the seven boys step out into the pouring rain, they start their epic adventure towards the great Atlantic Ocean, with little Yann, the youngest, as their leader. Along the way, they encounter various people who aid them on their journey, including a truck driver, a baker, a police officer and a writer, all of which give the part of the tale they witnessed and helped. As the journey comes near the end, the brothers bond and support each other like few have ever done before.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Yann is the seventh son, and the only one born alone. His six older brothers are three sets of twins. Yann has never really grown and he doesn't speak. Oddly, he communicates to his brothers much more accurately than they do to each other. When he wakes them up one night, explaining wordlessly that their father plans to harm them, they follow him without question. Their journey is to the ocean, a place where they all anticipate feeling safe. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, Yann leads them from their home and into the unknown. Yann alone knows which path they are on, and that is enough for the others. Each section is told by a different voice, the mom, the dad, each brother, people who help them, people who don't... The only person who knows the true and complete story is Yann, and we don't hear from him until nearly the end. Rest assured, there is a method to it all. This is one of those stories where you just have to follow where it takes you. And the cool thing is, it doesn't feed you any judgments or ideas. I think every person who reads this will take something slightly different from it, and I really like that. I also really like the way it was written. I could see this being one of those required books that you actually really enjoy. Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

A beautifully told story

The Pull of the Ocean is about seven, young brothers--three sets of twins and one very intelligent dwarf who cannot, or will not, speak. The story follows the brothers on their escape from an abusive father and unaffectionate mother. It is told through the eyes of the brothers and the many people who meet them on their journey to the Ocean. It is a re-telling of Tom Thumb, along with bits of a few other fairy tales. The fellowship and love between the seven brothers is very loving, especially the care taken of Yann, the dwarf. The narrative is refreshingly simple and straightforward. It "pulls" you in until the satisfying close which is sure to bring a smile to your face, as it did mine.

A blueprint for change.

Jean-Claude Mourlevat's THE PULL OF THE OCEAN tells of seven children who flee a violent father, and begin a journey which will ultimately involve many outsiders in their uncertain life. Each person they encounter provides a different story to the social worker investigating their family; but it's not until all voices are joined that a complete picture is presented - and a blueprint for change.

Hero Journey for 7

If you don't know the Perrault version of Tom Thumb (which I don't) you will enjoy this book for its plucky characters, spare narrative, and the satisfying ending that reminds the reader that some journeys are the same with different destinations. Little Yann is a cryptic character, and the forbearance and endurance of his older brothers (all twins) will delight you with its oddity. Echoes of other myths--seventh son, seven swans, Hansel and Gretel--entice the reader to engage with this odd little story at many levels. Middle School boys will love it, high school kids will be intrigued. Invites the reader to get out a map of France and follow the boys' journey.