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katykelly's review
5.0
Moving and gently funny story about grief, friendship and fish.
A touching premise - Dak dad's has just died. But Dak's grieving process takes a strange turn as he discovers his dad has become a clownfish at the aquarium he used to love. Able to converse with his son, as well as continue to share appalling jokes, Dak visits every day and ends up working there (missing school). He also meets the snarky neice of the owner, and their burgeoning friendship - and Dak's dad - could prove useful as the aquarium comes under threat.
Dak and his situation is poignant, it feels so surreal and yet so normal - talking to a fish - but for me it was Violet at the heart of the book, more so as we saw more of her. She is layered and a very realistic creation. I was keen to see what would happen if Dak ever told her his 'secret'.
You know there is going to come a time when Dak has to face up to his life and what has happened, and it was handled sensitively. This was a great audiobook, as Dak talks to us from the pages, the narrator chosen speaks with a young voice, a guileless pre-teen, and carried me along. I was keen to keep listening and finished it very quickly.
This, I would recommend for class reading and discussion, it would do well read aloud by a teacher, or as part of a book group choice. There are lots of delicate subjects covered, and done well, in a short space of time.
Suitable for ages 10 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
A touching premise - Dak dad's has just died. But Dak's grieving process takes a strange turn as he discovers his dad has become a clownfish at the aquarium he used to love. Able to converse with his son, as well as continue to share appalling jokes, Dak visits every day and ends up working there (missing school). He also meets the snarky neice of the owner, and their burgeoning friendship - and Dak's dad - could prove useful as the aquarium comes under threat.
Dak and his situation is poignant, it feels so surreal and yet so normal - talking to a fish - but for me it was Violet at the heart of the book, more so as we saw more of her. She is layered and a very realistic creation. I was keen to see what would happen if Dak ever told her his 'secret'.
You know there is going to come a time when Dak has to face up to his life and what has happened, and it was handled sensitively. This was a great audiobook, as Dak talks to us from the pages, the narrator chosen speaks with a young voice, a guileless pre-teen, and carried me along. I was keen to keep listening and finished it very quickly.
This, I would recommend for class reading and discussion, it would do well read aloud by a teacher, or as part of a book group choice. There are lots of delicate subjects covered, and done well, in a short space of time.
Suitable for ages 10 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
aelynreads's review
5.0
A truly beautiful story of grief and friendship with the perfect sprinkling of humour.
One of the main things I loved about this book is that Dak is an extremely likable character. I don’t think you can read this book and not fall in love with him. Obviously, his situation is awful and, as the reader, you really feel for him, but he is also such a nice person and I wish I could adopt him.
The other main character in this book is Violet who is feisty and confident and all kinds of wonderful. Violet is a fantastically written character with a strong personality and the development of her friendship with Dak is just beautiful to read.
The plot is gentle, yet fast-paced, and YA readers will absolutely race through this book. There is a defined story line outside of Dak grieving his dad’s death, which I won’t spoil here, but just know that it is interesting. This story is mostly character focused, but there is enough plot to provide a satisfying story.
Although this is technically a middle grade book, it really can be be read by anyone of any age. It definitely has a YA feel in that it handles the themes of death and grief very deftly, yet still remains appropriate for younger readers. There is a certain knack required when reading middle grade books as you have to constantly remember that you are not the audience for this book. However, this book made me completely forget that it is not a YA book. At no point did this book feel “dumbed down” or childish as some middle grade stories do and I think many YA readers will love it.
This truly is a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time. I really hope people pick it up and give it the recognition it deserves.
Ideal for: anyone aged 10+
One of the main things I loved about this book is that Dak is an extremely likable character. I don’t think you can read this book and not fall in love with him. Obviously, his situation is awful and, as the reader, you really feel for him, but he is also such a nice person and I wish I could adopt him.
The other main character in this book is Violet who is feisty and confident and all kinds of wonderful. Violet is a fantastically written character with a strong personality and the development of her friendship with Dak is just beautiful to read.
The plot is gentle, yet fast-paced, and YA readers will absolutely race through this book. There is a defined story line outside of Dak grieving his dad’s death, which I won’t spoil here, but just know that it is interesting. This story is mostly character focused, but there is enough plot to provide a satisfying story.
Although this is technically a middle grade book, it really can be be read by anyone of any age. It definitely has a YA feel in that it handles the themes of death and grief very deftly, yet still remains appropriate for younger readers. There is a certain knack required when reading middle grade books as you have to constantly remember that you are not the audience for this book. However, this book made me completely forget that it is not a YA book. At no point did this book feel “dumbed down” or childish as some middle grade stories do and I think many YA readers will love it.
This truly is a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time. I really hope people pick it up and give it the recognition it deserves.
Ideal for: anyone aged 10+
ruthie_the_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
Read & reviewed for The Bookbag:
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Clownfish_by_Alan_Durant
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Clownfish_by_Alan_Durant
litpistachio's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
thatreadinggal11's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
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