Fish
A refugee's story of hope and survival
Published on 5. January 2006
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-340-87403-5 (ISBN)
Description
Winner of the Fidler Award, this is a compelling, globally successful book about becoming a refugee, told with compassion and hope.
War and drought have come to Tiger's country. Just before Tiger's family leaves, Tiger finds a fish struggling for life in a drying-up puddle - and rescues it. And so they set off on a dangerous journey across the mountains, with only what they can carry on their backs - the fish's grip on survival mirroring their own.
Critically acclaimed for its subtlety and simplicity, this is a universal fable where the specifics of geography, conflict and even the gender of the narrator are not given. Anyone can identify with Tiger's desire to make a difference to the world, and keep hope alive.
War and drought have come to Tiger's country. Just before Tiger's family leaves, Tiger finds a fish struggling for life in a drying-up puddle - and rescues it. And so they set off on a dangerous journey across the mountains, with only what they can carry on their backs - the fish's grip on survival mirroring their own.
Critically acclaimed for its subtlety and simplicity, this is a universal fable where the specifics of geography, conflict and even the gender of the narrator are not given. Anyone can identify with Tiger's desire to make a difference to the world, and keep hope alive.
Reviews / Votes
An unusual and touching story of bravery and determination * Newbury Weekly News * [An] unpretentious gem of a novel * South China Morning Post * Outstanding * Aldershot Mail * Stunning debut novel * The Glasgow Herald * the fable-like quality of the telling has a subdued power. * Linda Newbury, TES * Matthews allows just enough detail - and heart - to make miracles feel possible. * Book of the week, Publishers Weekly * powerful and often surreal tale * Western Gazette * A very unusual book, it maintained its pace ... the characters are so well drawn. * Armadillo * A wonderful story of survival simply and powerfully told. * Daily Echo * A strong, tender story ... I highly recommend this book. * Children's Books in Ireland * A Dog for Life: 'Children of eight to 11 will love it. And so did I.' * Telegraph * The Outcasts: 'this absorbing adventure story ... would provoke much useful discussion among KS3 students, both in the classroom and within a smaller book-group context.' * School Librarian *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Hachette Children's Group
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 9 to 12 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
162 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-340-87403-5 (9780340874035)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2011
Hodder Children's Books
€3.99
Available for download
Person
L.S. Matthews, a Goldsmiths' College graduate, worked briefly in publishing and then in education, before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Dorset with her husband and two children.