The Pull of the Ocean

Module 1

Mourlevat, Jean-Claude. 1999. The pull of the ocean. Trans. by Y. Maudet. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-385-73348-8

Summary: Yann is the youngest brother in a family of boys. The six older boys are all twins. Yann is physically much smaller than his age, and cannot speak. The boys live in poverty with parents who are both verbally and physically abusive. One night Yann wakes them up to tell them that they must run away because their parents are planning to kill the. The all leave together, in a cold pouring rain, led by Yann, the youngest, but most certainly the wisest. The boys experience frightening adventures together and leave lasting impressions on all those they encounter. After a near tragedy, the ending has a surprising twist.

Critical Analysis: This book is a reinterpretation of the Tom Thumb story (Charles Perrault) set modern times. Each chapter is written from the point of view of a different person. We learn about the Doutreleau boys from different angles: from the accounts of a social worker, a truck driver who picked them up, a writer, a baker who gave them food and others. We also hear from members of the family, his mother, father, brothers, and finally from Yann himself. Through all of their different perspectives we get a more complete picture of this troubled family.

The book is written by a French author and set in modern times, but the themes are universal and could have taken place in any modern culture. The only indication we have that this international book is set in France is in the French names. Even some of the slang used didn't mark the book as French. The story could just as easily have taken place in the United States.

The book is painful to read at times. Child abuse and neglect is not an easy subject, even when we know the story is fiction. While the book doesn't have graphic details, we know that the boys have been physically hit and grossly neglected. The parents have no concern for their emotional or physical well-being.

The overriding themes seem to be the love these brothers have for each other. In spite of the fact that they have been mistreated they have somehow learned to love, support and care for each other. Little Yann, despite his small size and apparent disabilities, is the strongest and most courageous of them all. The fact that he is able to communicate with his eyes to those who love him or those who are concerned about him, is an indication of his intelligence and his spirit. Only his uncaring parents aren't able to understand what he "says" or to see his true worth.

Published outside the United States and translated by Y. Maudet, the book can be shared across many cultures. The link to the Tom Thumb story perhaps it a bit of a fairy tale essence, but the story has a very realistic theme. Even so, as in many fairy tales, we see that sometimes good can come out of evil.

This book is recommended for ages 12 and up. Some sensitive children may find it depressing.

Review Excerpts:
"Mourlevat enchantingly blends the harshly read and the make-believe. . . (in this)effectively haunting, fluidly translated tale." (Publisher's Weekly, Jan. 1, 2007)

"A well-crafted mystery awaits anyone reading this fabled jigsaw puzzle . . . a memorable novel that readers will find engaging and intellectually satisfying." (School Library Journal, Jan. 1, 2007)

Connections: This could be studied in the classroom along with the original Tom Thumb tale by Charles Perrault.

It could also be compared to a newer book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, which tells the story of a boy who is living and surviving by his own wits in a difficult situation and yet has the strength to make a better life for himself. Even though Hugo is alone, he eventually reaches out to others and finds strength in the same way the Doutreleau brothers help each other.