The True Story of Butterfish

by Nick Earls, David Tredinnick (Reader)

When Annaliese Winter walks down Curtis Holland's front path, he's ill-prepared for a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl who's a confounding mixture of adult and child. After years travelling the world with his band, Butterfish, he's not used to having a neighbour at all. So when Curtis receives an invitation to dinner from Annaliese's mother, Kate, he is surprised when he not only accepts but finds himself being drawn to this remarkably unremarkable family. Even to fifteen-year-old Mark who is at war with his own surging adolescence. Curtis soon realises that with Kate divorced, Annaliese and Mark need a male role model in their lives, but it's hard for him to help when he's just starting to grow up himself and harder still when Annaliese begins to show an interest in him that is less than filial.

Genres: Fiction, Australia, Humor, Book Club, Contemporary, 21st Century

MP3 CD

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

Nick Earls is the author of twelve books, including bestselling novels such as Zigzag Street, Bachelor Kisses, Perfect Skin and World of Chickens. His work has been published internationally in English and also in translation, and this led to him being a finalist in the Premier of Queensland’s Awards for Export Achievement in 1999.

Zigzag Street won a Betty Trask Award in the UK in 1998, and is currently being developed into a feature film. Bachelor Kisses was one of Who Weekly’s Books of the Year in 1998. Perfect Skin was the only novel nominated for an Australian Comedy Award in 2003, and has recently been filmed in Italy.

He has written five novels with teenage central characters. 48 Shades of Brown was awarded Book of the Year (older readers) by the Children’s Book Council in 2000, and in the US it was a Kirkus Reviews selection in its books of the year for 2004. A feature film adapted from the novel was released in Australia by Buena Vista International in August 2006, and has subsequently screened at festivals in North America and Europe. His earlier young-adult novel, After January, was also an award-winner.

After January, 48 Shades of Brown, Zigzag Street and Perfect Skin have all been successfully adapted for theatre by La Boite, and the Zigzag Street play toured nationally in 2005.

Nick Earls was the founding chair of the Australian arm of the international aid agency War Child and is now a War Child ambassador. He is or has also been patron of Kids Who Make a Difference and Hands on Art, and an honorary ambassador for both the Mater Foundation and the Abused Child Trust. On top of that, he was the face of Brisbane Marketing’s ‘Downtown Brisbane’ and ‘Experience Brisbane’ campaigns.

His contribution to writing in Queensland led to him being awarded the Queensland Writers Centre’s inaugural Johnno award in 2001 and a Centenary Medal in 2003. His work as a writer, in writing industry development and in support of humanitarian causes led to him being named University of Queensland Alumnus of the Year in 2006. He was also the Queensland Multicultural Champion for 2006.

He has an honours degree in Medicine from the University of Queensland, and has lived in Brisbane since migrating as an eight-year-old from Northern Ireland in 1972. London’s Mirror newspaper has called him ‘the first Aussie to make me laugh out loud since Jason Donovan’. His latest novel is Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight, co-written with Rebecca Sparrow.

Reviews

[Paula Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The True Story of Butterfish, Curtis is a keyboard player returning to Brisbane to escape the glare of publicity following the split of his mega-selling band Butterfish. In a quiet suburban street, Curtis tries to concentrate on his new role as a producer, slowly reconnecting with the real world around him.

But things get a little messy when he gets to know his neighbours: an attractive single mum recovering from a bitter divorce, her gothic teenage son, and her 16-year-old daughter, who thinks the only way to connect with Curtis is through sex.

Curtis’ attempts at a “normal life” are further complicated when Butterfish’s hard rocking lead singer turns up on his doorstep unannounced.

With any Earls story, Brisbane itself becomes a character, but this can actually be distracting as a reader when it’s your own home town.

Earls is a very likable writer – he’s always a favourite at festivals and after seeing him at last year’s Brisbane Writers Festival I know why.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a bit of a fan, I admit, so this was a breezy and pleasurable read for me. In some ways it presented as the polar opposite of Daisy Jones and the Six with its meteoric-rise-to-fame overture and subsequent reentry-back-to-earth arias. Butterfish is a strange coming of age tale (especially as some characters are technically already of age), exploring the afterburn of fame and its affects on those singed by its intensity.

It is both comical and tragic by degrees; characters projecting true pathos are always kept a little at arms' length with virtuous helpings of humour. Their rich banter and everyday interactions promote warmth and realism. As always, Earl's sense of place resonates as robustly as his characters. I love the familiarity of it all despite my complete lack of understanding of the music entertainment industry.

Curtis Holland's final self-revelation and awareness allows him to feel a hope more substantial than before he met the Winters next door and deployed a cathartic emotional irrigation with his brother, Patrick, however is not quite the commanding conclusion I was looking forward to. Despite this, Butterfish is a perceptive and gratifying observation of family, fame and 'lives unpicked and restitched.

[Rhoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curtis is a keyboard player who returns home to Brisbane after the split of his very popular band Butterfish. Not a big fan of the spotlight, Curtis wants to focus on his new career as a music producer and reconnect with his older brother Patrick, following the death of their father where Curtis left Patrick to deal with it all.

Curtis befriends his new neighbours - a single mum and her two teenage children, although things get a little complicated - particularly when his long time friend and former lead singer of Butterfish, Derek, comes to stay with him for a few days.

This book does not have a whole lot of storyline, with the focus being on the characters and their development. I love a good character study and whilst I liked the character of Curtis, I just found so many of the interactions in this book to be awkward. Perhaps they were supposed to be, as Curtis navigates life as a “normal” person as opposed to being a big rock star, but it just made it hard reading at times.

I really enjoyed the development of Curtis’ relationship with his brother Patrick which began a bit stilted, but grew as they spent more time together. I was less enamoured with what I’d call the “unnecessary romance” (my pet hate 😆) which felt very unconvincing and again - awkward. As this book is quite character driven, I feel this is one that different people will get different things out of depending on which characters resonate with you. The author is clearly a talented writer and I enjoyed the writing style, but can’t say I completely loved the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there were half stars... if so I would give it 4.5. The author writes so well. This was recommended to me by the librarian and she was right. Such an easy book to read and his observations of his main character were so believable and revealing. I would have given it the extra half star if there was a bit more of an ending, in that there were several events which have not been resolved, however if this happend it may have taken away from the book what it was. Very enjoyable and I will look out for more of his books.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not one of his best, but still a worthwhile read from one of Brisbane's best writers.

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curtis Holland moved into a new house after his band, Butterfish, broke up. While the band was quite successful, they are worn out and Curtis, being a quiet and much of a loner, was looking forward to some alone time. And also some time to finally catch up with his brother, Patrick. Though he managed to sort things out with Patrick, he didn't quite get his quiet contemplation of a life as he was drawn into the family life of his neighbour. This family isn't that remarkable but I guess after a remarkable life, he needed the normal dose.

There were some funny moments but unlike other Earls' novels, I found that this wasn't as funny but a lot more touching. Curtis, as a character, was easily likeable and he grew a lot in this story to become more of a man than boy. I loved the brother/sibling relationship and also the relationship he's built with the family next door.

[Pip Snort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Earls has a direct line to the Australian male psyche and expresses it powerfully and with insight and heart in this account of a successful musician whose band has ground itself to an end and he is trying to find himself a life in suburban Brisbane. He is awake to his failures and seemingly random circumstance places him right next to what he needs: two teenage children in need of a male role model.

I was really touched by this story and it gave me lots of food for thought.

[Michael Brasier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok for me..lots of ideas on the plate, a problematic potential relationship between the older rock star and the teenage daughter next door, the same rocker forming a relationship with both the son and mum next door, reflections about his failed marriage, the examination of his relationship between himself and the front man..for me it did not really go anywhere

[John Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written exploration of human frailty and resilience that embraces you from the opening page. Another wonderful novel from Nick Earls that creates a real sense of place and time.

[Natasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most boring books I have ever read

[Lyn Ambrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this easy to read book and exploring the different relationships a retired top band member made in suburbia. The insight into the music industry was interesting.

[lindsay holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read - great characters that you can empathise with and are so real and ultimately heartwarming. Had me laugh out loud too - Nick Earls has a wonderful subtle wit.

[Gillian Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Earls… love his writing.
Australian
Dry wit
Great characters

[Phoenix1000 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curtis Holland is an overweight former rock star, trying to find out who he really is, after many manic years. His father died while he was on the down swing from the circus ride, and his brother Patrick was left at home to deal with the details. Curtis carries with him guilt and many unanswered questions about his fathers’ life.

His return to his hometown Brisbane and the obscurity of suburban life, exploring a new career as a producer of a musical treat for a Norwegian band, Curtis is confronted by neighbors. Meeting sixteen year old schoolgirl Annaliese, is a revelation, because she knows a great deal about him courtesy of Google, (much more than he is comfortable with her knowing). She has a great singing voice and leaves him feeling awkward and embarrassed with her blatant sexual advances. Her brother

Mark is also a challenge, with his secret tropical fish breeding program and porn writing money making schemes, Curtis becomes a kind of male role model for him. Their mother Kate intrigues Curtis in many ways, enough to buy her a sharp cooking knife and show her simple cooking techniques, as she struggles with being a single mum after a disaster of a marriage.
Add to this mix Derek, the star of the Butterfish band and founding co-band member, song writer, ex-friend and totally fame crazed junkie living in LA, who drops in for a short time visit, and there is a volatile situation.

Nick Earls presents a ‘what if’ very credibly in this book and leaves the reader questioning parts their own life experiences. What would it be like to live the roller coaster, publicity machine life of world famous rock star then crash back down to reality to live in suburban Brisbane?

I enjoyed this book that was simultaneously written as a script and is now being produced on stage. Having listened to the ABC interview that Nick Earls did with lead band member Rob Reiner from ‘ANVIL’, I believe this was the catalyst for this creation. When Rob answered Nick saying the band was doing well but his relationship with fellow founding band member was another story. I could nearly hear Nick’s brain screaming ‘What if?’ For you to share the answer he imagined: read this book.


Merged review:

Curtis Holland is an overweight former rock star, trying to find out who he really is, after many manic years. His father died while he was on the down swing from the circus ride, and his brother Patrick was left at home to deal with the details. Curtis carries with him guilt and many unanswered questions about his fathers’ life.

His return to his hometown Brisbane and the obscurity of suburban life, exploring a new career as a producer of a musical treat for a Norwegian band, Curtis is confronted by neighbors. Meeting sixteen year old schoolgirl Annaliese, is a revelation, because she knows a great deal about him courtesy of Google, (much more than he is comfortable with her knowing). She has a great singing voice and leaves him feeling awkward and embarrassed with her blatant sexual advances. Her brother Mark is also a challenge, with his secret tropical fish breeding program and porn writing money making schemes, Curtis becomes a kind of male role model for him. Their mother Kate intrigues Curtis in many ways, enough to buy her a sharp cooking knife and show her simple cooking techniques, as she struggles with being a single mum after a disaster of a marriage.

Add to this mix Derek, the star of the Butterfish band and founding co-band member, song writer, ex-friend and totally fame crazed junkie living in LA, who drops in for a short time visit, and there is a volatile situation.

Nick Earls presents a ‘what if’ very credibly in this book and leaves the reader questioning parts their own life experiences. What would it be like to live the roller coaster, publicity machine life of world famous rock star then crash back down to reality to live in suburban Brisbane?

I enjoyed this book that was simultaneously written as a script and is now being produced on stage. Having listened to the ABC interview that Nick Earls did with lead band member Rob Reiner from ‘ANVIL’, I believe this was the catalyst for this creation. When Rob answered Nick saying the band was doing well but his relationship with fellow founding band member was another story. I could nearly hear Nick’s brain screaming ‘What if?’

[Eliza · Rating 2 out of 5]

The True Story of Butterfish follows the life of Curtis Holland back in Australia after breaking up with his famous band Butterfish. The relationships he has with his neighbours (the Winter family), his brother, and Derek (a member of the band), all undergo some change as he comes to realise what happened while he was busy touring, and what he values in each relationships. Even though the story had the potential to be interesting, I found it hard to get through; I was not pulled in as much as I had expected.

All the characters were well constructed and really came to life through their dialogue. Each had their own distinctive personality, qualities and flaws, making them all interesting to get to know. I felt like Derek, who Curtis often criticised as having a thirst for popularity and fame, had more to it than that and I would have enjoyed getting a deeper insight into his psychology, but not much is offered there. I think a bit more action between Kate and Curtis would have caused a bit more conflict and drama, especially since we are left to believe Curtis loves and wants to be with her.

Some conflicts and questions however are left unanswered by the end of the book. In particular, all the quesions regarding Curtis' father are not resolved, and I found that somewhat of a let-down, especially because it seemed Curtis' brother Patrick really wanted to know the answers. I had expected to discover why he had been writing an opera, why he had that membership to the Powerboat club etc, but no answers are given. So I was left wondering why that conflict had even come up in the first place.

What made this book hard to get through for me was the lack of drama, or conflict. Things happened but they didn't seem to cause any issues or build up to any sort of climax. So it was a bit of a drag reading the book. I often found myself re-reading paragraphs, sometimes more than once, because I just was not pulled in by the words or the events happening in the novel.

Overall, I do believe this book had the potential to get somewhere: the characters were there, even the story itself covers some important topics. I just found it lacked action, conflict and momentum.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m revisiting Nick Earls with reading his latest “Analogue Men” at the moment – and his work is always a fun journey. Earls has been writing a while now, and his characters have been ageing along with him, meaning you can read his books in your teens, twenties, thirties, forties (and he’s about to start the fifties.)

Curtis is living out the quiet life having spent time in the intense spotlight of musical fame – and like anyone who has had a spotlight shone on them he is stumbling around half blind trying to make sense of it all. Amidst his pre-midlife crisis he is thrown into the middle of his neighbours’ lives – beginning with the enigmatic danger-on-legs Annaliese.

Despite all the focus on Annaliese and her possible motives, it’s her brother Mark who comes out as the dark horse who reveals a heck of a lot more than fish under his bed. In fact Mark has more figured out and a greater sense of responsibility than Curtis and his brother Patrick, who are still at sea with their identities as men in the wake of losing their father.

The book is terribly Australian - and it captures the late 90s-noughties era Australian music scene quite well. Inevitably, I found myself playing "Guess the real life band Earls is basing this on" and came up with at least half a dozen candidates.

As an aside, I “read” this as an audio book in the car – and as a production it was quite good. Tredinnick was a great narrator (and doesn’t sound too far off Earls’ own voice) – and with audiobooks there is the challenge of providing distinct characters and “voices.” The only problem I had was with the narrator’s voice for Annaliese. The whole story from the opening to the closing passages hinge on her and the ambiguity of her behaviour, and the tone of voice Tredinnick adopted for Annaliese perhaps added to aspects of her character that weren’t Earls’ intention.

[Heather Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christmas I finish a Nick Earls book.
I think if you have any association whatsoever with Brisbane (where the author is based) you will find Earls writing nostalgic as lots of local suburbs and icons were referenced in the story.

I listened to the audio version - and I not another review did not like the narrator - but I thought the narrator was really good - animated - it was like listening to a play.

I don't know Nick Earls - but I feel like every story is a reflection of perhaps two months of his life, with names substituted. There is so much detail in the book and every moment of the characters existence is described - so I don't mind it - but I spend the whole time wondering whether it is real life or not!

OK so to the story - the story was fine. A rockstar moves in to suburbia. The character and behaviour of his neighbour I found quite distressing. She was a single mother, and within moments decides that the central character should start playing a fatherly role in her sons life. Then there were lots of secret conversations between the son and the central character. Then the under age daughter provocatively tried to seduce the central character. While he did not really do anything to warrant this behaviour - he then had secrets with the daughter.

OK MAJOR ALARM BELLS!!

This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable.... and do I even need to tell you the desperate single mother puts the moves on the central character - so he has secrets with everyone.

I was mortified reading the book - would the central character turn into a pedophile ... did the mother have no shame whatsoever ... geez what chance did the kids have with adults like that?

SO not my favourite Nick Earls book - but I did like the reference to suburbia.

[Tara van Beurden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was...different. It seemed to meander around a lot, but never quite make it to a full blown climax. Earls writes people really well. The characters all felt very really, and very Australian without being cliched or unrelatable (if you're not Australian). Yet the thing that annoys me about his writing style (I've read his collaboration with Rebecca Sparrow - Joel and Cat set the story straight) is how he goes on and on and on about wherever his story happens to be located (usually Kenmore, a suburb on the Northern side of Brisbane). It drives me insane. No one cares! I truly believe that this sheer obsession with explaining every street, every tree, every tiny breath of Brisbane, and moreover Australia, is the reason Australian authors don't do well overseas. Yes, I know the Gateway Aterial will take you to the airport - I've lived in Brisbane my whole life. But Joe Bloggs in Houston, Texas, doesn't care, so get over it. I sometimes felt that he wasted time on this in what a relatively short book instead of telling the story. I don't know, it was very engaging once you got through the first 120 or so pages (it comes in at 280) but it never really GOT anywhere.

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Brisbane boy returns to his home town after his band made it big on the international stage and then did the crash and burn that many bands do. He lives quietly, almost aimlessly, in a suburban home he bought before moving back. He attempts, painfully and clumsily to reconnect with his brother and come to terms with his fathers death. His main social connection is with his next door neighbours; and single mother and her two teenage kids.

It sounds so banal doesn't it? It wasn't.

The main character comes through as such a real person that I felt as if I was hitching a ride on the inside of someone else's' eyeballs. The understated reality of the people and the simplicity of the storyline were what made his book so absorbing and memorable. The contemplative style of writing was exactly what I was in the mood for and I may well re-read this one at some stage.

There was an added enjoyable frisson in that it was set in Brisbane and that the places described were often places I knew, and that the people and behaviour resonated with my daily experiences. Does anyone else get sick of everything they read being set in England or USA?

[Sam Still Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know how to describe this book. An episode in the protagonist's life? It seemed not to come to any resolution, but not to have anything terribly deep either.

Curtin is a musician, ex member of Savage Ga- no sorry, Butterfish, returning home after his band splits after a lacklustre third album. I'm still not sure what Curtis played- keyboards maybe? Anyway, he has to deal with his neighbour and her daughter's attentions, the neighbour's son's fish loving, his dad's death oh and, the lead singer of Butterfish descending on him. Although the arrival of Derek sends Curtis into a tizzy, not a lot seems to come out of this (nor from the neighbours).

I borrowed this from the library. If I'd have bought it, I would have been disappointed with the lack of resolution. Nick Earls writes very well, but not even nostalgic love for Australia could put this high on my shelves. Bachelor Kisses is much more humourous and the plot actually moves- I'd recommend this instead,

[Alison Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

The True Story of Butterfish felt like the Nick Earls I remember! An easy listen, grounded in reality, and quietly powerful.

The story follows Curtis, a former rock musician adjusting to suburban life after fame. It’s about starting over, finding connection, and navigating the awkward, beautiful bits of everyday life.

Even if you’ve never been in a band, there’s a tone, a feeling, a truth that hits home. Then suddenly, there are those ultra-specific details, like a dad being treated for a brain tumour at the Wesley Hospital and you’re right there, remembering those same sandwiches in the hospital café.

I really enjoyed this one. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend and with the author who meant so much to me in my youth.

[Jon Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curtis one half of the international music sensation Butterfish has moved back to his home town in Queensland after the split of the band. While trying to live a normal life he becomes entangled with the lives of his neighbours: a mother who can’t cook; her dramatic 16-year-old daughter and her quintessential 14-year-old son. Nick Earls fills his characters with quirks and mannerisms that the reader can identify in some way with every one of them. Earls’ effortless prose and humour makes easy reading but the way that he handles complicated scenarios makes the book unforgettable.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Nick Earls other books and I have to admit this isn't as great. Still a good read. What I enjoyed about it, the 16 year old Annalise trying to find her feet, she is till unsure whether she is a child or a woman. And how Curtis doesn't know how to take her or the situation that she creates. And then their is Annalise's brother who needs guidance and Curtis helps him. Curtis is from a previously famous band that has disbanded and living in Brisbane.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the 1990s, I loved Nick Earl's books and eagerly awaited each new release. I'm not sure whether it's me or him that has changed, but I found this one tedious. It's the story of Curtis Holland, a chubby former rock star, who returns to his hometown of Brisbane following the break-up of his band. The plot seemed to meander with no real point. Disappointing, as I had it on the TBR pile for a few years and had looked forward to getting to it.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

The single most BORING story I have ever read! I tried, God how I tried, to get involved in it. But honestly, there was absolutely no story to get into.

Curtis comes back to Brisbane after his mega-big band Butterfish breaks up. He lunches a lot with his gay brother, hangs out with the next door neighbours and that's it. THE END.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this audiobook.

A good narrator makes all of the difference with an audio book and David Tredinnick is awesome.

The story was one that made me cringe in places, as the main character gets himself into some awkward situations....but more than anything it made me laugh out loud...which must have been most amusing for people watching me in the supermarket.

Highly recommend this one.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really lovely story. Beautifully described Brisbane suburbia. Read it for that alone. It is a gentle & tender story that is wry in it's own way rather than outright & outlandishly funny in a Zig Zag Street kind of way. I really enjoyed it.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked me from the start - Nick Earls is ever readable. Nice account of an ex star finding life in the 'burbs.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow this book was ordinary. Not Nick Earls at his best. Despite his protests it is so obviously a story about the band Savage Garden. Fine as the lightest of light Summer reads