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sophieguillas's review against another edition
5.0
I appreciate the layers of Big Fish. On one level there are Edward's tall tales, and on the other is his son William at Edward's death bed and this significant sense that this fantasy has damaged their relationship. While they're framed so differently I think both sides are so well integrated and make the reading experience richer on both sides.
For fans of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou / Greek mythology in general, Big Fish is a fun and touching work dealing in family myth making.
For fans of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou / Greek mythology in general, Big Fish is a fun and touching work dealing in family myth making.
m00plays's review against another edition
1.0
I really hate that I wasted my time reading this book. Just really wasn't for me, I found that it was about a son telling me all about his fathers mysterious life and I expected a fantastic ending that would knock the stories out of the park. But I was wrong, I basically read about this mans life for no reason or excitement whatsoever...
Really disappointed with this book.
Really disappointed with this book.
kimberlyallen011's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bittersweet_symphony's review against another edition
4.0
An easy read, but refeshingly imagitive. I thought it was a very original tale revolving around the relationship between a son and his dying father. The son yearns to know who his father really is while the father seeks acceptance and validation from his son.
It is a short read. I would have welcomed more stories to provide additional depth to the father and son. While touching near the end, it is mostly myth and legend. Very originial.
It is a short read. I would have welcomed more stories to provide additional depth to the father and son. While touching near the end, it is mostly myth and legend. Very originial.
ricksilva's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A son creates a mythology around the dying father that he never truly got to know. Told in a series of tall tales, with interludes that present alternative versions of the death of larger-than-life father Edward Bloom, the author slowly and carefully teases out the tensions and the issues that exist between Bloom and his son.
The fantasy/mythological elements of this are great, combining myths of the classical style with American-style folktales while still maintaining some uniquely oddball details and twists. The recurring "dad-jokes" are a joy, even when they are painful and tragic.
This was a very clever and original approach to some timeless themes.
The fantasy/mythological elements of this are great, combining myths of the classical style with American-style folktales while still maintaining some uniquely oddball details and twists. The recurring "dad-jokes" are a joy, even when they are painful and tragic.
This was a very clever and original approach to some timeless themes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
madameroyale's review against another edition
5.0
Originally read this book just to fill a reading prompt, but I ended up totally falling in love with it. It’s so charming—silly, genuinely funny, and unexpectedly touching at times. A really quick but vey worthwhile read.
mypinksofa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
What a cool book! I can't wait to see the movie now. This book is full of tall tales and such wonderful imagination, I'm really looking forward to seeing how it's played out on the big screen. I definitely recommend this book if you haven't already seen the movie...or even if you have.
kaitlynmount's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
zioale's review against another edition
4.0
Bel libro; una favola per grandi. Non prende voto pieno perché è uno dei pochi libri che si fa superare dal film.