Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish
Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish
Book Brief
BetaGould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003404
Novel • Fiction
Sarah Island • 19th Century
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish by Richard Flanagan explores an incarcerated artist's life through a series of fish paintings in 19th-century Tasmania. The narrative intertwines colonial history, mythology, and human experience, highlighting the individual's struggle against oppressive structures while contemplating identity and memory.
Mysterious
Dark
Bittersweet
Fantastical
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
6,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Richard Flanagan's Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish is praised for its enchanting prose and imaginative storytelling, drawing readers into a vibrant historical tapestry. However, some find its narrative structure complex and challenging. The novel's vivid imagery and unique format captivate, but may not appeal to those preferring traditional narratives.
Who Should Read Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish?
A reader who enjoys Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish by Richard Flanagan likely appreciates magical realism and historical fiction. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Markus Zusak's The Book Thief might also find this novel captivating for its imaginative narrative and rich historical context.
6,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish by Richard Flanagan is notable for its innovative use of typography and color illustrations, weaving them into the narrative to enhance the reader's experience.
The design of the book's cover and interior pages reflects the themes and mood of the narrative, with different fonts and layouts representing various characters' perspectives and emotional states.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Richard Flanagan's work on Gould's Book of Fish won him the 2002 Commonwealth Writers' Prize, an award that recognizes excellence in literature across the Commonwealth countries.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
404
Novel • Fiction
Sarah Island • 19th Century
2003
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!