The Music of Dolphins

Starred review from September 2, 1996
As moving as a sonnet, as eloquently structured as a bell curve, this book poignantly explores the most profound of themes--what it means to be human. The narrator, Mila, is discovered by the Coast Guard on a deserted island, where she has been living with dolphins. The so-called feral child becomes the subject of government study--pried at and poked, taught language and music. Her amazing progress contrasts with that of another "wild child," Shay, who is being studied by the same team of experts. While Shay remains locked in silence, Mila's hands can fly over the computer keyboard or the holes of a recorder, and she even tries to explain dolphin language to the eager doctors who become her family. But Mila feels the call of the wild growing stronger and doubts about the sparkling lures of civilization growing louder. Finally the longing for her island consumes her entirely. It's a difficult plot to pull off, but Hesse (Letters from Rifka; Phoenix Rising) succeeds. While she insists on simplicity in framing the story, she also employs a high-wire writing technique, having Mila tell the story first in halting, little words (in big type), then in more complex, fluid words (in small type), so that the language and themes become increasingly sophisticated. All together, a frequently dazzling novel. Ages 9-12.

gap430 - "I was in the ocean, in the music of dolphins, all the sweet sounds around me, until I was caught on shore. I was so called, rescued by a nice lady who I call, Dr. Beck. She taught me so much. How to read, speak, and remember everything. I got the hang of it after a while, and I was really happy. There was another girl named Shay who was just not that smart. I tried to play with her. She just barely heard anything. She decided to take me to a pool one day. She has a kid named Justin, who hates me. I had such a fun time, and Dr. Beck was sooooo mad!!! When ever I hear the sound of dolphins, I get so excited. I got to play a recorder, and I did really well. I swam in the lake next to the house, and woke up in the hospital. I did not feel good. After a while, Dr. Beck decided to set me free. I said goodbye. They said goodbye. I saw the dolphins, and swam off."