Winner of the Fidler Award 2002, this is a fresh, original adventure story with an exotic setting - introducing a character and a journey which defy traditional description.
Fish is an adventure story about the journey of a family of aid-workers, as they and their child, Tiger, flee from a country beset by drought and war. Just before the family leave, Tiger finds a fish struggling for life in a drying-up puddle - and decides that they have to save it. And so they set off on a dangerous journey, across the mountains - the fish's precarious grip on survival mirroring their own.
Stunning debut novel - The Glasgow Herald
the fable-like quality of the telling has a subdued power. - Linda Newbery, TES
Matthews allows just enough detail - and heart - to make miracles feel possible. - Book of the week, Publishers Weekly
powerful and often surreal tale - Western Gazette
A very unusual book, it maintained its pace ... the characters are so well drawn. - Armadillo
A wonderful story of survival simply and powerfully told. - Daily Echo
A strong, tender story ... I highly recommend this book. - Children's Books in Ireland