Big Fish - Daniel Wallace

Rating: 4

For the first time in a long time, I have read a book after seeing the film! I usually tend to avoid doing just this, as I find films place very set images in my mind, which make it difficult for me to imagine characters when reading the book.

Because of this, I perhaps did not enjoy this book as much as I would have, had I not already seen the film. I loved the film. Though I love anything Tim Burton creates, so that may not be saying much! Burton's use of colour and imagery are always stunning and imaginative.

Daniel Wallace's Big Fish is just as imaginative, but not quite what I expected. Our narrator is William Bloom, son of Edward Bloom, the titular "Big Fish". Edward is dying, and his son seeks a finally chance to truly know the man, who has spent his entire life telling fantastic stories rather than truths. Edward's life has been a colourful one, full of magnificent tales, but William has trouble separating the truths from the fiction. Throughout the tales, Edward's death is revealed in four different chapters, each bringing us a little closer to the old man's true self. Even at the end, Edward's stories are still fanciful and William's sense of frustration is palpable. However, I felt drawn to the old man and his stories, and the ending was very sad yet heart-warming.

Full of tall tales and extraordinary adventures, Big Fish is a beautiful, magical and charming read. Very much a fairy tale for adults. Highly recommended.