Reviews

This YA novella is simple but endearing - it's about a boy and his mum, who live a modest life in Bremer Bay - an area in the SW of Australia (some 500+ km from Perth). I hear it's beautiful, but I haven't made it there yet. They fish, and grow fruit and vegetables.

The title of the book comes from the name the young boy, Abel, gave a giant blue fish that he liked to play/swim with.

This is a story about our connection with nature and places, the simple life and family.

There is a movie adaptation being released soon, I can't wait to watch it, the cast looks pretty good: Eric Bana, Radha Mitchell, Mia Wasikowska.

nicki_dadic's review against another edition

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5.0

Ranked right alongside my favourite coming-of-age story “Island of The Blue Dolphins” for me. Loved this and am falling in love with Winton!

_lish_'s review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

annabanana's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

4.0

sardine164's review against another edition

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4.0

My son in Yr 6 has this book to read for class. So, being interested to talk to him about what he is reading, I picked it up and read it after he went to bed last night.
I really like Tim Winton. This book is written in a simpler style (aimed for younger readers, I think), but I found it a rewarding read with some themes about family and belonging to a place that I'm looking forward to discussing with my son.
I also enjoyed being able to read the book in one sitting. For me, it helped spin the magic of the tale.

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