This largely autobiographical book might not have existed if renowned Hollywood director John Huston hadn't invited Ray Bradbury to come to Ireland in 1953 and write a screenplay for a film adaptation of Moby-Dick. Since then, The Emerald Isle has become one of Bradbury's favorite 'ethnic' themes: he dedicated many of his magnificent stories to it.

The novel Green Shadows, White Whale is a belated declaration of love to the people, the country, and the nation with whom fate brought him together many years ago.