85 pages • 2 hours read
Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions
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Book Brief
180
Novel • Fiction
Alabama • Mid-20th century
1998
Adult
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
In Big Fish by Daniel Wallace, William Bloom recounts the extraordinary life of his father, Edward, as he lays dying from a terminal illness. Using Edward's outlandish anecdotes, tall tales, and allusions to classics like The Odyssey, William pieces together Edward's adventures, exploring themes of mortality, storytelling, and their strained father-son relationship, ultimately embracing his father's legacy as a storyteller.
Fantastical
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
25,460 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Daniel Wallace's Big Fish captivates readers with its imaginative storytelling and whimsical charm, portraying the intricate relationship between a son and his father through tall tales. Critics praise its creativity and emotional depth, though some find the narrative disjointed. Overall, it's celebrated for its heartwarming exploration of familial bonds.
Who Should Read Big Fish?
A reader who enjoys Big Fish by Daniel Wallace likely appreciates magical realism, heartfelt father-son relationships, and Southern folklore. Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or William Faulkner's The Reivers will find this whimsical yet profound narrative appealing.
25,460 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
180
Novel • Fiction
Alabama • Mid-20th century
1998
Adult
13-18 years
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