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rosannariah's review against another edition
3.25
Liked it. Beautiful at times, funny all the time, rarely boring. Was not exceptional, but it was still a nice read. It is really hopeful despite the events described, I liked how the poetry was more important than the factual descriptions. Reminded me a bit of La Vita È Bella (weirdly adorable father, and a son who does everything to remain in a daydream). Knowing the author’s personal tragedies made it all a lot sadder. But it’s impressive how he still kept a sense of happiness, or longing for happiness, that is sensible in his writing. Despite everything, he still had his father’s fish.
wendyandthebooks's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ilanab8060's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
stinajohanns's review against another edition
3.0
Many of the stories are really nice but not being interested in fishing must influence one's judgment. At least I was a bit bored by the fish-talk.
kubus2137's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bookonium's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
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.
irisofthevalley's review against another edition
5.0
Another book I read for school that I enjoyed. Definitely going to re-read it, maybe even get my own copy if i come across it in the store. It's funny, and it's tragic, and it's really well written.
analyticali's review against another edition
3.0
More Czech literature. Whimsical and full of fishing and history.