Gould's Book of Fish: A novel in twelve fish by the bestselling Booker Prize-winning author

Undoubtedly imaginative and original with an excellent prose style, but that's it. The story just never gets going and after 200 pages, realising I had another 200 to go I just stopped. It simply isn't engaging enough to make the effort. The bizarre characters while colourful enough in their description, simply fail to come to life in the story. Although the book is in the first person, you don't have any idea what the main character's personality is like. Is he a man we should feel sympathy for or a rascal who deserves his comeuppance? It's fine for a character to be enigmatic; but in this case I ended up not caring.

Uncomfortable to read as only the best books are, I found the originality astounding, with its deep and not so deep inferences this is the sort of book you feel better for reading although it was not what I would describe as a pleasure. But I'm sure many would disagree with me.

Well written and interesting even though it was a bit hard to read in places - only 2 of my book club finished it. Some people have written reviews saying that they found some bits funny but the humour was lost on me.

This book is not what you think. I have read it and i am not sure what it is:)This is my second copy as I swapped my previous copy whist travelling and have wanted to re read it so got another copy.It is a narrative of two men and how they are linked through the book through history. The book is never quite clear on what is "real" and requires investment and imagination from the reader. So if you are looking for a simple page turner this is not for you, but if you want a bit more then please give it a try.

I really enjoyed his book "the long road to the narrow North" but I found this one hard to follow.A bit surrealistic but never the less a good read.

I was disappointed as the book arrived damaged. It was only wrapped in thin plastic. The book itself is great but it was to be a present so feel I can't give it in damaged condition. This is such a shame.

This is an entertaining and interesting book, if somewhat brutal and surreal. As with most readers,I want a book to grip my attention and take me to another place or time. Like a lot of Flanagan's work, it is not a comfortable read because he enables the reader to identify with his central characters, and consequently, we share in part at least, their difficult and harrowing experiences. I am delighted to have discovered Richard Flanagan, because I now look forward to working my way through all his books.

VEry diffuclt to read for non-perfect english speaking reader. Seems to be original and fun book, but the constant change of focus within each sentence is tiring and hard to follow. I'll try to get it in my original language.