Claire loves to read!

Published by: Ebury Press (6th August 2015)

ISBN: 978-0091956929

Source:  Review copy via publisher

Rating: 4.5*

Synopsis:

Even a goldfish can dream of adventure…

From his enviable view from a balcony on the 27th floor of an apartment block, Ian the Goldfish has frequent – if fleeting – desires for a more exciting life. Until one day, a series of unfortunate events gives him an opportunity to escape…

Our story begins, however, with the human inhabitants of Ian’s building. There is the handsome student, his girlfriend, and his mistress; an agoraphobic sex worker, the invisible caretaker; the pregnant woman on bed rest; and the home-schooled boy, Herman, who thinks he can travel through time.

And as Ian tumbles perilously downwards, he will witness all their lives, loves, triumphs and disasters…

My review:

Fishbowl is truly an original novel and it had me hooked (pardon the fishy pun!) from the start. Ian the goldfish has a unique perspective on the inhabitants of the apartment block where his owner lives and this is told in an insightful and intriguing manner.

It's really difficult to discuss the finer points without giving too much away. This book seems to have very mixed reviews so far, but I'm a fan. 

I especially liked the flip book Ian on the pages and the bright orange hardback cover with the image of Ian, revealed by removing the dustjacket.

Thanks to Elaine at Ebury for sending me a review copy.