"Remembering a man's stories makes him immortal" - Edward Bloom
Today's book for discussion at my book club group was Big Fish.
Here is a description from the book cover:
"In his prime, Edward Bloom was an extraordinary man. He could outrun anybody. He never missed a day of school. He saved lives and tamed giants. Animals loved him, people loved him, women loved him. He knew more jokes than any man alive. At least that’s what he told his son, William."
This is not a book I would have chosen to read on my own, and I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed it. But it was interesting and innovative.
It's about a son (William) trying to understand his elusive father (Edward), as the father is dying. Using the few facts he knows, William re-creates Edward’s life in a series of legends and myths, through which he begins to understand his father’s great feats and his great failings. The result is hilarious and wrenching, tender and outrageous.
The book has been made into a movie and is also a Broadway play.
What interesting books have you been reading?
Just started Longbourn, by Jo Baker, which was given to me by my son-in-law Mike's mother. She did a good job picking this one for me - it's the story of the servants in the household of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds interesting. Let us know how it is.
Deletei haven't read this book, but i _love_ the movie. it's one of my favorites! i've often wondered if it was anything like the book.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that the movie was quite different from the book. Maybe I'll have to see the movie to compare.
DeleteSounds interesting Sanda..
ReplyDeleteI am not sure, but I think the film was shown on tv.
There are some amazing authors out there.
Enjoy yours reading.. xx val
As they say, so many books, so little time. I could read all day.
DeleteI'm just beginning "The Woman Who Walked Into Doors" by Roddy Doyle. I heard him in an interview on NPR and thought I would enjoy his works. I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteDarla