Robin’s Rave Reviews 2023

If you are looking for a quirky, quick read that will make you laugh, check out Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions by Daniel Wallace. It was different from the kinds of books I usually read, but oh so good. A refreshingly original story, a son tries to get past his father’s larger than life tales to discover who he really is before he dies. The story is told with a voice like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and a tone of satire reminiscent of Mark Twain. It is categorized as magical realism for the Tall Tales the father tells. With Father’s Day just around the corner, this book would make a great gift! (You did remember Father’s Day, didn’t you?) And yet, I recommend this book for women as well because it’s just an interesting book!

SUMMARY

Edward Bloom, always wanting to be a big fish in a big pond, is largely absent in his son’s life. When he’s home, he is full of dad jokes and unbelievable stories, based in fact but embellished into legendary tales. Now an adult, his son William is frustrated. While his father is alive, William wants to understand him: fill in the blanks of his dad’s life and understand his goals and dreams, as well as his failures and successes. Edward never gives a straight answer to William’s questions. Each one is responded to with a fantastical story, some light, some dark. These hard-to-believe tales, used to evade the truth, end up telling William exactly who his father is.

I found myself laughing aloud (not something I often do when reading). Be prepared. You’ll want to share stories from the book with anyone nearby who’ll listen. After reading the book, I enjoyed watching the film adaptation done by Tim Burton in 2003. Although the movie was different in some ways, it was enjoyable and true to the intention of the book; however, the book is better, in my opinion. I’m surprised to say this, but Big Fish by Daniel Wallace is one book I plan on reading again! Check out more about this author on his unique author website at DanielWallace.org.

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