Chasing Melville Chasing a Whale

By Erin Levens

Climbing roses and big puffs of hydrangea accent the houses along the cobblestone streets of
Nantucket. An island of weathered buildings with starfish in the windows and whales on the
doors; trendy stores, cafés, coffee and ice cream shops sit alongside brick mansions bearing
semi-circular plaques to commemorate which sea captain lived in which home. Lighthouses and
waves. Seals in the breakers. Whales breaching offshore. Boats, ferries, sails, rigging,
cobblestones, shutters, Quaker meeting houses, and churches. The tininess of the Nantucket
Town. Open air shops, s...