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Big Fish is one of my favourite books to date. It's one of my favourites for its pure ability to touch the heart of any reader and the way it captivates the wildest of imaginations whilst still managing to maintain a firm sense of reality. In a sense it's very much like a grown up fairytale with a moral centre surrounded by captivating myth and fantasy.

The story of Big Fish analyses the relationship between a son and his rapidly deteriorating father whom he never got to know in all that much depth. Realising that he is running out of time, William Bloom embarks upon a journey of discovery into the myths and legends his father prefers to tell instead of facing up to the harsh reality of the truth. Edward Bloom talks of jumping spiders, conjoined twins and giant fish to his son and it is through these extraordinary fables that William begins to understand his father's victories and failings in life. He also ends up questioning the importance of honesty in relation to happiness.

Comic genius entwined with poignant reflections makes the perfect story for young and old alike. It shows just how much of an impact storytelling can have on our lives and that redemption can occur at any moment if we just allow ourselves to accept people for who they are.

Recently Tim Burton has recreated Big Fish into an extremely successful motion picture. Normally, I am an avid fan of the literature and never think that the films come up to quite the same standard as the books do. However, after seeing Big Fish I stand corrected. If you are not a fan of reading then I would definitely recommend a trip to the cinema. The poignant moments are captivated in such as way that it takes a strong hold over your emotions to resist the urge to shed a tear at some point throughout.

The protagonist is played with such zeal and enthusiasm that one cannot help but become attached to the character in someway. Everyone can achieve a connection in some way with William Bloom whether it be a jouney of self discovery, the coping with the loss of a loved one or just generally an appreciation for a new outlook on life. It has that fantastic film noir quality but directed in such a way that it is full of colour, life and hope. It certainly left me wanting more especially in the philosophical perspectives that it provided.
Some of the film's quotes are perfectly slotted in and one almost wants to pause the film just to reflect on the poignant phrases and stories that are shown.

"Most men, they'll tell you a story straight through. It won't be complicated but it won't be interesting either." Big Fish is certainly a not a story told by "most men" and I guarentee that it will live on forever as a great film and book.

Well worth seeing!

Learn more about this author, Grace Golds.
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