This was a phenomenal memoir of a scientist who has spent her professional life searching for bioluminescent light in our vastly under-explored oceans. She suffered a serious illness that almost killed her and could have wrecked her plans but she persevered and has led an inspiring life. I love marine biology so it was amazing to learn more about this subject and to have an inside peek into what this research is really like was such a bonus. I received a vicarious thrill when she was wrote about her work on the expedition in 2013 to find and film giant squid because I remember that documentary like it was yesterday. I remember being so excited that it was the woman scientist who was the first to be successful with her equipment compared to the other scientists on board. With an easy, conversational writing style and plenty of wit, this book is a must-read for anyone with even the slightest interest in marine biology.

I wanted to like this book. I have never read a book about the deep sea and I was FASCINATED with some of the information Dr. Widder discussed. Regardless of this book, Dr. Widder is a badass. She succeeds in a male-dominated industry and is one of the best in her field. I liked learning about her throughout the book. However, the overall writing felt very scattered. We’d be talking about an interesting deep sea creature, then all of a sudden jump to Dr. Widders childhood, then back to a sea creature. The combination of memoir and science can work well, but it was just not quite the best fit here. I would have preferred less jumping back and forth between her life and the creatures every paragraph or so. Again, that is my preference, so perhaps it is not yours! Regardless, this book was full of unique information and told the story of someone I admire.

Although realistic about the plight we face, this book is ultimately optimistic. A memoir and science adventure, Widder deftly uses her personal experiences to entertain and educate, as well as enlighten the reader on the undervalued exploration of the deep ocean. Yes, pollution and over-fishing are out of control. Yes, we have generations of problems ahead. But Widder’s philosophy is one of hope. Hope that governments will grow to see the value of protecting our oceans. Hope that we as a species can learn to cherish our oceans as the vital resource that they truly are. And hope that science will be the candle in the darkness of ignorance and will light the way to a more balanced and sustainable world.

A magnificent memoir by ocean scientist Edith Widder, pioneer in the study of bioluminescence. Overcoming temporary blindness after surgery, she recovers and finds light and life in the depth of oceanic darkness, her discoveries essential to protecting global seas. Captivating, inspiring and a must-read for fans of brilliant women changing the world!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 27 Jul 2021
#BelowtheEdgeofDarkness #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Random House Publishing Group - Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.