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jonagnar73's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic piece of writing; a wistful collection of coming-of-age stories where the yearning for a simpler time, similar to Zweig's World of Yesterday, meets the snappy, folk-like sense of humor of The Good Soldier Svejk. Irresistible from beginning to end and I only wish this wonderful book was twice as long.
waggeldoris's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
annekdotes's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
I never would’ve read this if it weren’t for my friend picking it for our book club, but I definitely enjoyed it. The writing especially made me want to keep on reading, as well as Pavel’s uncanny ability to explain the most complex situations and emotions in a single simple sentence. Did all the fishing get a little boring sometimes? Yes, but it also brought a special charm and nostalgia to the story. It also makes me want to go out into nature more (but not to go fishing).
beerens's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mjaimezuckerman's review against another edition
5.0
Largely autobiographical, Pavel's, How I Came to Know Fish is much more than a chronological collection of fishing stories. The stories begin simply, in a childish voice and perspective, but develop to illustrate a boy's growing awareness of the world around him. Likewise, the language becomes more nuanced, the imagery more symbolic, and the ideas and experiences more heartbreaking. While the surface plot may be a fishing story, the stories are meditations on life and survival, death and memory, humor, justice, and compassion. Pavel tackles some big subjects and some big fish! I would tell anybody to read this little known book, because it does what only the best writing can do: each story breaks your heart and then restores it in a single stroke.
makslik's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
janadej's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-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
4.25
damopedro's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story about the author's boyhood in what is now the Czech republic. We get a look at how he lived both before world war 2 and during. Funny, sad and really well written.