Following his savage murder in a London vicarage, Reverend Ulysses Drummond embarks on an epic odyssey in the afterlife, wrestling with his conscience and misguidedly spurning the obvious advantages of a free ticket to Paradise.His ten-year-old son, Henry, is left to muddle through life, encountering school bullies, big-hearted benefactors and cold-blooded killers on his passage to adulthood.Will … adulthood.
Will Henry find love, success and happiness in his life – or will he suffer the cruel and agonising death that was foretold?
‘Funny, frightening and touching, this audacious combination of fantasy and real-world evil is a novel like no other. Make sure you don’t miss it.’
Karen Holmes, editor 2QT
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4 Stars
“Rather than simply being the fish that swims to the shore, you have to believe that you can be the fish that climbs a tree.”
The Fish That Climbed a Tree is the first book that I have read by Kevin Ansbro, and after today, it certainly won’t be my last. What a surprisingly memorable story this has proven to be, and nothing like I had expected- not that I really know what I was expecting, except to say that the title intrigued me enough to want to find out what it was all about.
I discovered along the way that Mr. Ansbro has a very detailed and descriptive style, which showcases his clever and imaginative storytelling. There is a lot going on in this book, in a great way- I was hooked very early on and remain engaged throughout the tale. It’s full of vivid imagery- weaving a tale of life, death, humanity, the afterlife, murder, mystery, violence, friendship, emotion, humour, good & evil, tragedy, heartache, mysticism, faith, love, redemption, history, literary and pop cultural references & icons, and plenty of thought provoking moments.
The story is written in such a way that it is entirely realistic and believable- with a touch of the dark and disturbing- this is so much more than just a murder mystery, or a bit of a ‘ghost’ story- and while the story itself is quite intriguing, it is the characters who really drove this story. They are all so well thought out and crafted- they’re fully realised individuals with their own particular quirks and flaws… so well done!
This story has stayed with me long after I had finished, I continue to ponder it , and for me that is a sure sign of a great book.
Looking forward to more from Mr. Ansbro in the future.
Thank you, Mr. Ansbro!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I had no idea what to expect. This was definitely out my normal wheelhouse so it took me a little bit to get the pacing of the story down.
It is like poetry. Sometimes it is literal and other times figurative, but it is always visually written. The character development is fantastic and I was invested through most of the story. There were a few times I sat back to think about what I read and then re-read it to understand where it was coming from. Again, definitely not my typical read.
I found this story interesting and thought provoking and I absolutely recommend it.
*****
Kevin Ansbro is a new author to me and the title The Fish that Climbed a Tree just peaked my interest and I knew I would have to read it. I am glad I did. Ansbro has created a funny but serious in nature. The characters are enjoyable and I found myself talking to Henry as if he could hear me. Henry’s father, Reverend Drummond is murdered and Henry was left behind. Rev. Drummond does his best to navigate the afterlife. Henry. who is a simple kid who loves books and writing needs to be careful of the people around him now. Will Rev. Drummond be able to take ahold of his afterlife? Will Henry be able to see people for who they are so he does not fall to evil? This story will hold your interest from the first page to the last page.
The Fish That Climbed a Tree
By Kevin Ansbro
4 stars
This was a really interesting book to read – I have to admit it probably has one of the least attractive front covers I’ve ever seen however I’m also one of those readers that knows not to judge a book by its cover and I was intrigued by the blurb so I thought I would give the book a go. My interest was captured straight away with the unique storyline and equally as unique characters. Henry’s story was really interesting to read and the author did a great job with making sure he was a likeable and realistic character. The author’s writing was flawless and I found that I was very engaged in what I was reading. This was a great introduction to this new author for me.
I would absolutely recommend this book to other readers, it is well written with fantastic characters!
It was the name of the book, The Fish That Climbed a Tree, that first caught my eye. An intriguing title I couldn’t pass by even though I had no idea as to what it might be about. What I discovered was a haunting story of an awkward boy, Henry Drummond, who had witnessed the murder of his parents. This is his heartwrenching journey. A story masterfully-written with humor, imagination, and uniqueness.
Ansbro’s writing style is exceptional and irresistible-
“barnacled to their favorite table like two old clams.”
“So it was a matter of great joy, and no small measure of discomfort, that Henry, plump as a
partridge and slippery as a bar of soap, cascaded into their world.”
The subplot focuses on Henry’s parents after their murder, literally taking the reader out of this world and ushers them into an unknown, fantastical after-life. Look carefully, you’ll find pearls tucked between the lines.
The Fish That Climbed a Tree is many-faceted, plunging beneath the surface of light and darkness, good and bone-chilling evil. I found it difficult putting this timeless book to rest with its unexpected twists and turns, relatable characters, and laughable moments. It may not be a book for everyone, but it certainly will provoke an emotional response.
“Rather than simply being the fish that swims to the shore, you have to believe you can be the fish that climbs a tree.”
Five stars to this unique, imaginative novel- like nothing I have ever read.
This story is creative, engaging and is serious in parts but also has a humorous side to it too. The characters are relatable and had me sitting on the edge of my seat a few times waiting to see what they would do next. It is foretold that Henry will suffer a cruel death but a spark of hope that he will find happiness. I enjoyed watching his journey from a distance. I found myself hoping he would have a successful life but you have to read this book to find out. I highly recommend this book.
The Reverend Ulysses Drummond and his adorable wife Florence’s savage and untimely deaths leave their 10 year old son Henry vowing to one day bring their killers to justice. What follows is a fascinating tale, expertly crafted by author Kevin Ansbro that will leave you reeling.
Ansbro’s unique and clever prose is as captivating as the tale itself. The plot is completely genius – mixing the afterlife with reality gives this story an intriguing and individual edge.
This is a story like no other – even now, a week after reading this spellbinding novel, I find parts of the story whirring through my mind such was the impact it had on me. It is truly brilliant – a proper page turner. Congratulations Mr. Ansbro – more please.
Written in the style of magical realism, made popular by superstar Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this is an extraordinarily imaginative, funny, and audacious story that will haunt your dreams.
I have read two other books by this author, both of which were very charming and original. This one signifies a rocket-propelled launch into a different stratosphere of writing. The same engaging style of storytelling is generously augmented with a roiling cauldron of every joy and peril known to man. The characters in this epic tale are absolutely unique, while remaining entirely realistic. The vicar and his lovely, butterfly-trailing wife are wholesome and endearing, whereas the real-live monsters who cut a swath through their destinies are the epitome of evil. The clash of these extreme forces leaves a somber young boy untethering in a world he can barely relate to.
The real beauty of this story is the author’s superb ability to use mere words to evoke such a tapestry of real-world extremes. There is so much believable heartache and awkwardness in the young Henry, but at the same time, there is much humor in the way his story is presented. The range and depth of the personalities that populate this far-reaching tale is almost too accurate, for the “bad guys” are so truly vile, I found myself cringing with dread several times as they carried out their nefarious schemes. And then I’d find myself laughing out loud on the very next page.
“The Fish That Climbed a Tree” is one of those books that rings true with every beautifully-crafted sentence, and it will live in my mind and heart forever. Bravo, Mr. Ansbro!
Amazon link to book:
https://amzn.to/2SjMC9X