Summary

The prologue begins with Ea, a dolphin, reflecting on how much has changed in her world. Ea is the “last spinner dolphin of the remote and peaceful Longi tribe,” and the other elders are “bottlenose dolphins” (2). Ea evidently has “painful” stories to tell of “what it cost to be here” (2).

Chapter 1 establishes that the Longi people, a “tiny pod of…spinner dolphins,” was driven “from their home” by a “megapod of common bottlenose dolphins,” who “took it for themselves” (3).

Chapter 2 recounts Ea’s young adulthood, which she regards as a “colossal and bitter disappointment” (4). She reflects on how she feels like an outsider, partially because she cannot “spin,” which is the “Longi’s art form” that holds a “spiritual element” (5). Apparently, Ea hears “disturbing” noises that no one else can hear (5). Ea is “inundated with suitors,” an exceptionally beautiful dolphin (6). She sets off for...