Catfish Rolling

Product Information

This book is so many things I love to read about, all meshed together in a way that felt like time had changed for me too. There was the urgency I associate with a compulsive read but this was at odds with an almost tranquil feeling, as though I was casually wandering around absorbing everything this world had to offer. Catfish Rolling is a story about one of the most impossible concepts that w But it's dangerous there - and as she strays further inside in search of her mother, she finds that time distorts, memories fracture and shadows, a glimmer of things not entirely human, linger. After Sora's father goes missing, she has no choice but to venture into uncharted spaces within the time zones to find him, her mother and perhaps even the catfish itself... The concept is interesting and the book is really well written. Some of the characters are well developed, whereas others felt more two dimensional to me. I liked the idea, and whilst I wouldn't necessarily say that the execution fell flat for me - I did enjoy reading this, after all - I felt like there was a little too much repetition, as well as a lot of information being thrown at the reader. It was difficult at times to keep up, and to understand what had actually happened/what was happening within these time zones. So a confusing read, sometimes, but it had real heart, and I loved the focus on Japanese fables and mythology, and it was really interesting learning about the culture from someone biracial, like Sora. It's a slow-burner book, but written in such a way where it doesn't feel slow. There is however a lot of time theory, philosophical talks and all that jazz all throughout the book, but it's all relatively easy to understand and, at least to me, was quite interesting. I quite liked all the characters as well, they all had good motivations.

It’s magical realism, it’s mythology, it’s philosophy, it’s sciency. It’s how the tremors and earthquakes we experience in our lives unbalance us. It’s figuring out who you are in a world that no longer makes sense to you. It’s the impact of grief on individuals and families over time. Catfish Rolling is a story about one of the most impossible concepts that we have to face - the concept of time. Defining time, understanding time, and measuring it seems easy in the current day, though the rules for doing these things have been set by people long before us and, really, their theories and beliefs are all we have to rely on. When used as a literary device, 'time' can be a super interesting plot point, and it worked really well here. Overall an incredibly unique and interesting concept that was executed well, I hope a lot of people will give this book a shot! Like Sora, I spent the whole book, wondering what was just beyond reach, willing her to find it and find solace. Catfish Rolling is not a fast paced read, it slowly grows on you, wrapping you up in the language and the mind twisting concepts of differing time.I think this is certainly one of those books where if the first couple sentences of the description interest you, just get the book and don't read the rest of the description.

The story, focussing on grief and loss, and the rebuilding of relationships, is closely bound up with the time zones that speed up or slow down things for the characters. Sora comes across at first as a typical, rather self centred teenager, but through the book she grows and is able to assume responsibility. Being a 'hafu', half Japanese and half Canadian, she is at first bewildered by Japanese beliefs, such as the giant catfish that is under the world, twisting and turning causing the earth shakes, but gradually she comes to accept the many different traditions that make up her country and society. Excellent, evocative, and thoughtful, with genuine depth.”— Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including:A dazzling debut. Magic-realism blends with Japanese myth and legend in an original story about grief, memory, time and an earthquake that shook a nation. There's a catfish under the islands of Japan and when it rolls the land rises and falls. This book has earned all the praise and success that I am sure will come, and it has definitely secured its place as a favourite for me. Stylish, accomplished and thought-provoking story-telling explores themes of identity, philosophy, science, ecology, life, loss and love. For 14+