The annual Moby Dick reading marathon at the Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts, attracted a record-breaking crowd this year. Nearly 2,500 book lovers from 37 states and countries around the world gathered to participate in the event, making it the largest attendance in the history of the marathon. The previous highest attendance was around 1,750 people in 2020, according to Amanda McMullen, the museum’s president and CEO.
The classic American novel, Moby Dick, written by Herman Melville in 1851, tells the story of Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of revenge against the white whale that took his leg. The novel is a literary masterpiece and has been a staple in classrooms for generations. The event in New Bedford saw participants following a tight schedule to read the entire novel over 25 hours, with readings taking place at various locations in the museum and at the Seamen’s Bethel, a historic church near the water.
In addition to the impressive turnout, officials also announced plans to erect a statue in honor of Herman Melville in New Bedford. The statue, estimated to cost $300,000, will stand at the garden of Seamen’s Bethel and feature Melville with his hand in his pocket, surrounded by waves and the ribs of a whale emerging from the water. The base of the statue will display quotes from the novel, adding to the literary significance of the tribute.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell expressed his excitement about the project, stating that it is a way for the city to celebrate its identity and showcase its rich literary history to the world. The statue is expected to take 12 to 15 months to complete, with sculptor Stefanie Rocknak’s design being chosen from 41 proposals. Mitchell believes that the statue will be a source of pride for both residents and visitors to New Bedford for generations to come.
Overall, the Moby Dick reading marathon and the upcoming statue of Herman Melville are testaments to the enduring legacy of one of America’s most beloved literary works and its author. The event not only celebrates the novel but also highlights the cultural significance of New Bedford as a place of literary inspiration and historical importance.
