Fish: Summary and book reviews of Fish by L.S. Matthews, plus links to an excerpt from Fish and a biography of L.S. Matthews.

My story starts the day that my parents told me we must leave our adopted home forever. Because of the soldiers and the drought we barely had enough to eat and we could no longer stay to help the people in our village. Right before we were leaving I saw a fish in a small brown puddle and I knew I had to take it with me. The journey would be hard to get across the mountains—to the safety of the border and the people there who could help us. Yet when I put the fish in the pot I never realized what we would have to face. It never occurred to me to leave Fish behind. A subtle and sophisticated exploration of life, the strength of humanity, and survival in an unforgiving world, Fish is a story that will teach those who doubt that, when hope is almost extinguished, miracles can happen.

BookBrowse

This is a gorgeous little book. The story is set in an unidentified country and told by a child of indeterminate age.  It's interesting to note how one lays ones own assumptions over a story.  For example, I assumed that the voice of the child was female and it was only when reading other reviews after I finished (including one in which the writer is convinced that it is a boy telling the story) that I realized that the author never states, or even implies, whether the narrator is a boy or girl; he/she is simply referred to by the nickname ' Tiger'.  I think the setting is probably a country somewhere in South Asia, but the point is we don't know, and we don't need to know, because not knowing leaves us free to put our own interpretation on events. 

'Fish' is targeted at grades 4-8. Many readers in this age group should enjoy this as a simple adventure story but those who are mature enough to understand the underlying message could find that Fish is one of those rare books that they still have room for on their shelf right through to adulthood (the same place that The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico has on mine).  

Media Reviews

Publishers Weekly In keeping the narrative so carefully attuned to a child's perspective, Matthews allows just enough detail-and heart-to make miracles feel possible. Ages 10-up.    School Library Journal - Alison Follos This novel has multiple dimensions that balance hardship with unwavering faith and gives hope within the darkness. Graced by a child's vantage point, it is a story that celebrates the human spirit and inherent kindness. Gr 4-8.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by anyomous
Great
I read this book a little while ago and i didn't know what to expect. This book turned out to be in my top 2 favorite books. Its a great thriller and a great adventure about a kid and his fish. This book never made me unamused. I loved the...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Nate
A great book
I had to read this book for school, and it was way better than I thought it would be. Vivid imagery of a life in a country experiencing Civil War and the innocent people who get trapped behind the boarders. A great story about hope and survival.

Rated of 5 by Tyler
This book was great. It was my favorite book.

Rated of 5 by ananya
it was agreat book but a little more sensory details and more imagery and the guide did a lot but didnt recieve much credit

Rated of 5 by Jane
It was Ok but I didn't understand why it was called fish?

Rated of 5 by Cathy
A moving tale, simply written. It uses imagery to illuminate a deeper meaning in the story. The main character, Tiger is cleverly not penned as either male or female. Tiger has the refreshing innocence of seeking to save a small fish while...   Read More

Readalikes

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