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Small Fish Big Fish - The Novel
The year is 1965. The Beatles are number one on the charts; the first US combat troops have arrived in Vietnam, and American and Soviet astronauts are orbiting the Earth. Seventeen-year-old Stephen McBride's reality is different. He lives in one of the roughest suburbs in Scotland, and his life is about to become very complicated. Already struggling with surging hormones, protective parents and imminent college exams, he's begun to question the existence of God and thinks some people are just born evil. People like Archie Stewart. When Stephen picks up a ten pound note from the floor of the grocers, he thinks his luck is in. This seeming good fortune propels Stephen along a pathway of criminality and deception driven by fear, naivety and Archie. Funny, sad, tragic and joyful, Small Fish, Big Fish is a thrilling and thought-provoking story that echoes the uncertainties and hopes of youth. A page-turning tale that adults and young adults will enjoy.
- GenresFiction
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 7, 2015
Carlisle built his book on a frequently occurring theme: Coming of age of young people trying to escape the harsh life of poor neighborhoods. It is probably some personal experience that sets the things in the turbulent sixties of Scotland. The writing is descriptive, with a level of detail that sometimes makes the reading a bit difficult, and it takes a while to get accustomed to it.
The best of the book can be extracted from one question asked by a grandfather perceiving the struggle of young Stephen, at a time when he was still trying to find his way in life: “Do you think it’s better to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?” Of course the young character gives the wrong answer, and the book is, up to the end, a well written quest to find the correct one.
I received the book from the author.
The best of the book can be extracted from one question asked by a grandfather perceiving the struggle of young Stephen, at a time when he was still trying to find his way in life: “Do you think it’s better to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?” Of course the young character gives the wrong answer, and the book is, up to the end, a well written quest to find the correct one.
I received the book from the author.
April 3, 2015
Small Fish Big Fish is an absorbing, well crafted novel that follows Stephen as he navigates through a series of difficult obstacles placed before him. There are a number of memorable characters that enter the story: D, Julie, Archie, and many others, and I found that as the story moved along I became more invested in the outcome of the plot and the fate of the characters.
This is not a novel I would normally read, but as a testament to the great work of the author, I really became engrossed in the story. I felt invested in Stephen throughout the story, and what drew me in were the different layers the author weaved into the plot, ranging from philosophy, violence, immigration, and love. Small Fish Big Fish is an ambitious story, and the author does a very impressive job in tying the different elements together.
If there was a minor criticism I had of the novel, it was that at times I felt the characterization of Stephen was a little confusing. I could see the author was trying to show how disparate and chained events led Stephen on the wrong path, but it also seemed to me that at times Stephen was incredibly naive. He seemed to be educated and brought up well, and so I struggled a bit with understanding some of his actions, especially involving Archie.
Overall, Small Fish Big Fish is an excellent novel, both entertaining and thought provoking.
This is not a novel I would normally read, but as a testament to the great work of the author, I really became engrossed in the story. I felt invested in Stephen throughout the story, and what drew me in were the different layers the author weaved into the plot, ranging from philosophy, violence, immigration, and love. Small Fish Big Fish is an ambitious story, and the author does a very impressive job in tying the different elements together.
If there was a minor criticism I had of the novel, it was that at times I felt the characterization of Stephen was a little confusing. I could see the author was trying to show how disparate and chained events led Stephen on the wrong path, but it also seemed to me that at times Stephen was incredibly naive. He seemed to be educated and brought up well, and so I struggled a bit with understanding some of his actions, especially involving Archie.
Overall, Small Fish Big Fish is an excellent novel, both entertaining and thought provoking.
January 23, 2015
A riveting read -- hooked me on the first page: "...what seems like fortune's kindly smile is a mask that conceals the beginnings of a pernicious spiral.” Carlisle has a way with words, lyrical and philosophical at times, meandering and gripping at others. The points of view in the book wove in quite nicely and didn't make it seem disruptive. On the contrary, I saw even more in the story via the characters' eyes.
Furthermore, the details brought out the setting (time and place) of the book and the socioeconomic struggles at the time. Highlighted especially are the constant decisions young people, especially teenage boys, make to grow to adulthood. This gritty coming of age novel illuminates shifting alliances when youth are in doubt, fear, anger, or angst and is suspenseful in that each page the reader isn't completely sure which motivation wins the character over and what actions result from them.
Although set in 1965 Scotland, Carlisle's storytelling style allows the reader to take the leap into the universal with timeless values called into question. The basic premise: Will you let your environment (the neighborhood, the people) determine your destiny or is there really a scrap of it that you can call your own to manifest?
Furthermore, the details brought out the setting (time and place) of the book and the socioeconomic struggles at the time. Highlighted especially are the constant decisions young people, especially teenage boys, make to grow to adulthood. This gritty coming of age novel illuminates shifting alliances when youth are in doubt, fear, anger, or angst and is suspenseful in that each page the reader isn't completely sure which motivation wins the character over and what actions result from them.
Although set in 1965 Scotland, Carlisle's storytelling style allows the reader to take the leap into the universal with timeless values called into question. The basic premise: Will you let your environment (the neighborhood, the people) determine your destiny or is there really a scrap of it that you can call your own to manifest?
March 22, 2015
Small Fish, Big Fish by Jacob Carlisle is a moving, well-written coming of age story set in Scotland in 1965. The plot follows Stephen McBride, a 17-year old struggling college student in a Scottish neighborhood and the various players around him – friends and more. Stephen is facing the triumvirate of common struggles in young adulthood – not much money, no job and no girlfriend. Alas, he finds money on the floor at the store and meets a beautiful girl.
While Stephen hopes his luck will keep going, life isn’t that simple. He makes some decisions (all carry weight) that send him down a dark path. Stephen learns that he has to answer what so many must answer as they grow up: do you want to face the consequences of your choices and accept responsibility, or try to avoid them? Which price is higher and when do you want to pay?
Carlisle’s writing clearly conveys a solid sense of character, setting and time. I felt like I was really ‘there’ throughout the story. The plot is complex and requires attention, but Carlisle’s writing make that easy. This book has multiple elements: mystery, action, romance, and excellent characterization. If you’re looking for a new and different twist on the coming of age story, read this now!
While Stephen hopes his luck will keep going, life isn’t that simple. He makes some decisions (all carry weight) that send him down a dark path. Stephen learns that he has to answer what so many must answer as they grow up: do you want to face the consequences of your choices and accept responsibility, or try to avoid them? Which price is higher and when do you want to pay?
Carlisle’s writing clearly conveys a solid sense of character, setting and time. I felt like I was really ‘there’ throughout the story. The plot is complex and requires attention, but Carlisle’s writing make that easy. This book has multiple elements: mystery, action, romance, and excellent characterization. If you’re looking for a new and different twist on the coming of age story, read this now!
March 3, 2018
I loved the cover, so glad the story exceeded it. This is a gritty story set in a rough neighbourhood in Scotland in 1965, with pop culture references, violence, teen angst and all the conflicts that poverty always seems to seed. Great writing and deep, colourful characters that made me think of Tarantino at times. There’s a love interest but ultimately this is a slippery slope story of compounding choices resulting in unintended consequences. Just terrific.
January 9, 2015
Well-written tale of love and life on the wrong tracks. Carlisle’s story is fixed around a bunch of teenage boys and girls growing up in a small Scottish district circa 1965. There’s the lead protagonist 17-year old Stephen, studying for a degree in civil engineering with a best friend named D’Angelo. Stephen is dating 16-year old Julie but has a one-off fling with Trish, the slutty sister of Stephen’s nemesis - 19-year old Archie, the blond hell-raiser frequently involved in petty thefts and crime with his pals Neil and Johnny who beat up Stephen every now and then. Julie is Daniel’s sister, a gang member, who went to jail taking rap for a crime Archie committed. Other bad eggs include Pete and Harry who hate Archie’s guts and power. Archie is the most vividly written character in the story, a boy raised in a dysfunctional poverty-stricken direction-less abusive household, whose real father may or may not be Stephen’s own dad (!) and he is secretly dating the ill-fated Tianyi Chi, 15-year old Chinese girl who lost her entire family in a boating accident coming from China. Hers is the most fascinating (and incredibly sad) journey in the long list of teenagers whose lives, pasts and presents are explored in bloody moving detail in this 282 page tome to what it means to be a small fish in a big pond.
The lives of everyone involved are changed forever after a murder. One-half of the story leads up to it. The other-half leads to the conclusion from it. At the heart of it is the lesson to take risks, be brave and do the right thing when it matters most. That is what growing up is all about.
A story well told.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair, unbiased and non-reciprocal review.
The lives of everyone involved are changed forever after a murder. One-half of the story leads up to it. The other-half leads to the conclusion from it. At the heart of it is the lesson to take risks, be brave and do the right thing when it matters most. That is what growing up is all about.
A story well told.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair, unbiased and non-reciprocal review.
March 12, 2015
Author Carlisle weaves a tale of many lives and the courses they take as both major and minor decisions are made by the characters. The characters are richly drawn and believable. They struggle, grow, and change as the events of the novel unfold. Even the worst bully has a soft side and is drawn in shades of gray. I applaud Carlisle's skill bringing these people to life on the page.
The setting is unique. I felt like I was standing in the neighborhood taking in the decrepitude and watching the slow decline. There's an authenticity that seeps into everything from the buildings to the music to the other forms of entertainment the teens in the story enjoy.
The writing was clean and crisp. Despite the omniscient point-of-view, I rarely stumbled over who's head I was in. It's a book that should resonate with the YA/New Adult crowd, but it holds merit for the older generation, too.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The setting is unique. I felt like I was standing in the neighborhood taking in the decrepitude and watching the slow decline. There's an authenticity that seeps into everything from the buildings to the music to the other forms of entertainment the teens in the story enjoy.
The writing was clean and crisp. Despite the omniscient point-of-view, I rarely stumbled over who's head I was in. It's a book that should resonate with the YA/New Adult crowd, but it holds merit for the older generation, too.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2015
My first impression first: the creation of the bully and the victim of bullying is brilliant. Next, I thoroughly enjoyed the time period and location. I’m old enough to remember a little of the 60s. This book took me there. I also grew up in an underprivileged neighbourhood. This book dragged me back there too. The quality of the storytelling blotted out the here and now completely. Those are the aspects of this novel I want to praise highly. The story itself is solid and quite intriguing. It’s raw and violent, and has plenty going for it. A terrific array of characters brought to life – they feel real. It’s like the whole novel is neither under nor overstated. Just real… I’d recommend reading a sample and seeing if you can put it down.
January 3, 2015
This book was a complete surprise to me. Jacob Carlisle's prose is well written, detailed, and pulls the reader into the story immediately. I couldn't put it down!
If you are looking for an excellent coming of age story, you must read this one. It is realistic, rich, and compelling. The characters, the historical setting, all of it was so enjoyable. I highly recommend this book!
If you are looking for an excellent coming of age story, you must read this one. It is realistic, rich, and compelling. The characters, the historical setting, all of it was so enjoyable. I highly recommend this book!
July 7, 2021
Excellent read even for adults
I enjoyed this book which explored the difficulties many teens have to learn to cope with. It is set in the 1970s in an area where gangs abound. Jamie's family are decent and have taught him good values but one little mistake leads his life into spiraling out of his control. He has to learn how to regain control of his life and it is only through his best friend and family that he can get help. An excellent book for teen discussion.
I enjoyed this book which explored the difficulties many teens have to learn to cope with. It is set in the 1970s in an area where gangs abound. Jamie's family are decent and have taught him good values but one little mistake leads his life into spiraling out of his control. He has to learn how to regain control of his life and it is only through his best friend and family that he can get help. An excellent book for teen discussion.
May 30, 2017
A bit slow to start, but got better. Interesting to see how everyone tied together.
June 5, 2016
A Stirring Read
Small Fish Big Fish is the poignant coming-of-age story of protagonist Stephen McBride, a seventeen year old college student hoping to emerge from the poverty-stricken Glasgow tenement district in which he and his family lives. But in Stephen’s case, one does not simply ‘live’ in the tenement district, one is absorbed by it—by its grudges, its resentments, its menaces…and its affections.
Like the internal contradictions of the tenement district itself, with its dark, dangerous back-alleys sidled up beside refurbished dance halls where young love first blossoms, life for Stephen is one of fear, hope, friendship, and intimidation. The latter is most strongly embodied by the antagonist himself, Archie Stewart, a complex puzzle of explosive violence, desperate cunning, and hidden hope—and who initially has it out for Stephen.
For both Stephen and Archie, adversaries whose fates are tragically intertwined, their hope of the future is most poignantly represented by their respective loves. For Stephen, it is defined by Julie, a witty, idealistic, attractive young woman who breaks through his crippling shyness and shines hope onto his apprehensive heart; for Archie, it is Tianyi, the beautiful, soft-spoken girl from China with a painful past who stirs true adoration and love into in his otherwise hardened and loveless world.
Yet despite these beacons of hope, the road ahead is dark one for Stephen and Archie. Ironically, Stephen simply wants to be left alone by the vices surrounding him, but is inexorably drawn towards them; and the more he struggles, the tighter he is caught in Archie���s scheming web.
Similarly, Archie desperately desires to escape the tenements and the life of vice he leads, but
chooses crime and violence as the instruments to fund his way out. For both Stephen and Archie, these choices have consequences.
Small Fish Big Fish meticulously, deliberately, and powerfully describes the chain of events that the decisions and actions of both the protagonist and the antagonist—whether made for the right reasons or wrong—have on themselves, on their neighbors, friends, and those they love. The reader is brought along the journey, and left to confront the gut-wrenching question—what would I do, given their situation?
A story of the bond of friendship and affection; of despair and hardship; of supportive families and abusive ones; of rising above and sinking below; of the moral and emotional effect that growing up in a dog-eat-dog district can have on youth—Small Fish Big Fish is a story that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. A highly recommended read.
Small Fish Big Fish is the poignant coming-of-age story of protagonist Stephen McBride, a seventeen year old college student hoping to emerge from the poverty-stricken Glasgow tenement district in which he and his family lives. But in Stephen’s case, one does not simply ‘live’ in the tenement district, one is absorbed by it—by its grudges, its resentments, its menaces…and its affections.
Like the internal contradictions of the tenement district itself, with its dark, dangerous back-alleys sidled up beside refurbished dance halls where young love first blossoms, life for Stephen is one of fear, hope, friendship, and intimidation. The latter is most strongly embodied by the antagonist himself, Archie Stewart, a complex puzzle of explosive violence, desperate cunning, and hidden hope—and who initially has it out for Stephen.
For both Stephen and Archie, adversaries whose fates are tragically intertwined, their hope of the future is most poignantly represented by their respective loves. For Stephen, it is defined by Julie, a witty, idealistic, attractive young woman who breaks through his crippling shyness and shines hope onto his apprehensive heart; for Archie, it is Tianyi, the beautiful, soft-spoken girl from China with a painful past who stirs true adoration and love into in his otherwise hardened and loveless world.
Yet despite these beacons of hope, the road ahead is dark one for Stephen and Archie. Ironically, Stephen simply wants to be left alone by the vices surrounding him, but is inexorably drawn towards them; and the more he struggles, the tighter he is caught in Archie���s scheming web.
Similarly, Archie desperately desires to escape the tenements and the life of vice he leads, but
chooses crime and violence as the instruments to fund his way out. For both Stephen and Archie, these choices have consequences.
Small Fish Big Fish meticulously, deliberately, and powerfully describes the chain of events that the decisions and actions of both the protagonist and the antagonist—whether made for the right reasons or wrong—have on themselves, on their neighbors, friends, and those they love. The reader is brought along the journey, and left to confront the gut-wrenching question—what would I do, given their situation?
A story of the bond of friendship and affection; of despair and hardship; of supportive families and abusive ones; of rising above and sinking below; of the moral and emotional effect that growing up in a dog-eat-dog district can have on youth—Small Fish Big Fish is a story that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. A highly recommended read.
April 13, 2016
Set 1965, this book tells the sory of seventeen-year-old Stephen McBride who lives with his family on a run down council estate in Glasgow. Stephen becomes involved with the local bully, Archie, which sets off a chain of unwelcome events.
Archie is an intriguing character. Complex and damaged, his relationship with Tianyi, a young Chinese girl, shows a different side to his character and gives the reader a glimpse of what might have been if he was born and raised in a different environment. The character of Daniel, elusive with an air of mystery, is also interesting. However, I found Stephen's character irritating. He has a close, supportive family and is doing well at college but chooses to go down a path which has serious consequences for others around him. For someone brought up on a rough estate, he appears naive and easily led. But, for me, the most sympathetic character is Tianyi who, at the beginning of the story has had to endure much hardship, then, in the end, has to bear the consequences of the of the others' actions.
The setting of the story is evocative and imaginative with the author using music and other cultural references to create a vivid picture of poverty in a run-down housing estate.
The book throws up many interesting questions. How far does our environment shape the way we are? How do we make choices in life? And to what extent are we responsible for our actions?
While the ending neatly ties up all the loose ends, I was left feeling that Stephen got away away lightly while others paid the price.
A thought provoking, complex and intriguing story.
Archie is an intriguing character. Complex and damaged, his relationship with Tianyi, a young Chinese girl, shows a different side to his character and gives the reader a glimpse of what might have been if he was born and raised in a different environment. The character of Daniel, elusive with an air of mystery, is also interesting. However, I found Stephen's character irritating. He has a close, supportive family and is doing well at college but chooses to go down a path which has serious consequences for others around him. For someone brought up on a rough estate, he appears naive and easily led. But, for me, the most sympathetic character is Tianyi who, at the beginning of the story has had to endure much hardship, then, in the end, has to bear the consequences of the of the others' actions.
The setting of the story is evocative and imaginative with the author using music and other cultural references to create a vivid picture of poverty in a run-down housing estate.
The book throws up many interesting questions. How far does our environment shape the way we are? How do we make choices in life? And to what extent are we responsible for our actions?
While the ending neatly ties up all the loose ends, I was left feeling that Stephen got away away lightly while others paid the price.
A thought provoking, complex and intriguing story.
May 25, 2016
Review
This is a rather sordid inner-city tragedy, set in 1965 Glasgow. The protagonist is a bright, decent, hapless seventeen-year-old lad named Stephen, trapped in a world too hard and dangerous for him. His small, almost inadvertent moral transgression on page one leads to ever-deeper and darker entanglement with the neighbourhood bully. In the course of this long, sad story, he is beaten, seduced, intimidated, blackmailed and involved in crime. He also falls in love, figures out whom to trust and finds his inner strength. But he gets off easy, compared to the central figure in the secondary, convergent story.
There is some violence. It dominates the story, not so much by its explicit occurrence as by the tension and suspense, the threat and expectation of violence throughout. When it comes, it’s relatively brief; almost anticlimactic, related matter-of-factly, with no unnecessary drama. The pace is steady and controlled; no detours or red herrings: every incident is relevant to the outcome. The period feels authentic, with many references to contemporary local conditions. The narration is competent and confident. There are a few minor anachronisms in the language, but it’s always direct and accessible: no flights of fancy; no literary frills. The reader is told all relevant information about the characters, their motivations, thoughts, backgrounds and relationships. The moral at the center of this grim tale is clear and well expressed.
I recommend this book to readers of fortitude - not to the sensitive.
This is a rather sordid inner-city tragedy, set in 1965 Glasgow. The protagonist is a bright, decent, hapless seventeen-year-old lad named Stephen, trapped in a world too hard and dangerous for him. His small, almost inadvertent moral transgression on page one leads to ever-deeper and darker entanglement with the neighbourhood bully. In the course of this long, sad story, he is beaten, seduced, intimidated, blackmailed and involved in crime. He also falls in love, figures out whom to trust and finds his inner strength. But he gets off easy, compared to the central figure in the secondary, convergent story.
There is some violence. It dominates the story, not so much by its explicit occurrence as by the tension and suspense, the threat and expectation of violence throughout. When it comes, it’s relatively brief; almost anticlimactic, related matter-of-factly, with no unnecessary drama. The pace is steady and controlled; no detours or red herrings: every incident is relevant to the outcome. The period feels authentic, with many references to contemporary local conditions. The narration is competent and confident. There are a few minor anachronisms in the language, but it’s always direct and accessible: no flights of fancy; no literary frills. The reader is told all relevant information about the characters, their motivations, thoughts, backgrounds and relationships. The moral at the center of this grim tale is clear and well expressed.
I recommend this book to readers of fortitude - not to the sensitive.
August 11, 2017
Kindle Unlimited
odd but interesting but short
Doris is a “most unattractive girl,” as her mother often pointed out. Her father says she is “a plain Jane,” with a shake of the head and the sort of look that suggests he thinks it's a lot worse than that.
Perhaps, if it was only her pimples and doubtful hygiene, Doris might have become a classical violinist, or a renowned artist, or a best-selling author, where such things are to be expected. Unfortunately Doris shows none of the qualities required for genius.
So, when an angel says he can help, Doris is tempted...
Already read most if not all below
Dust And Ashes {Prosperine Trilogy 0.5} revised/extended of previously published The Second Coming
Avanaux (Prosperine Trilogy #1)
Rise of the Erlachi (Prosperine Trilogy #2)
The Scarf: A Scifi-Fantasy Adventure (The Prosperine Trilogy Book 3)
The Prosperine Trilogy Box Set: Dust and Ashes, Avanaux, Rise of the Erlachi
Prosperine: The Adventures of the Space Heroine Hickory Lace: (Box Set)
Doris and the Demon: A Humorous Short Story
Sting Like a Butterfly: A short story of courage inspiration and friendship
Humor and Fantasy: 5 Short Stories
Small Fish Big Fish
odd but interesting but short
Doris is a “most unattractive girl,” as her mother often pointed out. Her father says she is “a plain Jane,” with a shake of the head and the sort of look that suggests he thinks it's a lot worse than that.
Perhaps, if it was only her pimples and doubtful hygiene, Doris might have become a classical violinist, or a renowned artist, or a best-selling author, where such things are to be expected. Unfortunately Doris shows none of the qualities required for genius.
So, when an angel says he can help, Doris is tempted...
Already read most if not all below
Dust And Ashes {Prosperine Trilogy 0.5} revised/extended of previously published The Second Coming
Avanaux (Prosperine Trilogy #1)
Rise of the Erlachi (Prosperine Trilogy #2)
The Scarf: A Scifi-Fantasy Adventure (The Prosperine Trilogy Book 3)
The Prosperine Trilogy Box Set: Dust and Ashes, Avanaux, Rise of the Erlachi
Prosperine: The Adventures of the Space Heroine Hickory Lace: (Box Set)
Doris and the Demon: A Humorous Short Story
Sting Like a Butterfly: A short story of courage inspiration and friendship
Humor and Fantasy: 5 Short Stories
Small Fish Big Fish
March 13, 2015
I was intrigued by the title and decided to try this debut novel. For YA readers I think this novel would be a great read. It covers bullying, family ties, ideas of integrity and ethics, that most teenagers will come across at some point in their lives. Set in the Glasgow region of Scotland and written form the point of view of a seventeen year old lad, who is struggling to find a comfortable place in society. It highlights the tough and hard existence of some of the poorer families and the camaraderie and friendships that can develop as well as peer pressure from some unsavoury quarters. Is being a coward different from being scared? I would definitely promote this book in the young adult section as a good read. Any Scottish or Glaswegian readers will get a thrill out of this book as the author obviously knows the area and has used local places to set the scene.
March 12, 2015
Though not the usual genre I read, I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review.
A coming of age story that tells of the lives of several teenagers and their struggles. The many stories involved made it hard to read at first but as soon as you get the hang of the story, you'll find it hard not to relate to the characters and their difficulties just trying to make it in the big world. The setting is interesting and gives you a taste of the 60's and the lives and challenges of people during that time in Scotland. I liked how the author brought it all together, showing how actions have consequences and how a decision can change our lives in an instant - and how ultimately, our lives are not dependent on our environment but by the choices we make. It is a complex story but the author has a good writing voice which helps the reader absorb all the details.
A coming of age story that tells of the lives of several teenagers and their struggles. The many stories involved made it hard to read at first but as soon as you get the hang of the story, you'll find it hard not to relate to the characters and their difficulties just trying to make it in the big world. The setting is interesting and gives you a taste of the 60's and the lives and challenges of people during that time in Scotland. I liked how the author brought it all together, showing how actions have consequences and how a decision can change our lives in an instant - and how ultimately, our lives are not dependent on our environment but by the choices we make. It is a complex story but the author has a good writing voice which helps the reader absorb all the details.
March 23, 2015
Small fish big fish is a gripping tale of growing up in Scotland in the sixties. Stephen is a good kid, seventeen and trying to make the right choices in life. However, he learns the hard way that one bad decision can spiral out of control, if you let it.
Carlisle has created a story about friendship, first love, consequences and opportunity, which is compelling to the end.
The cast of characters are robust and well- developed, which makes this far more complex than a simple 'good guy versus bad guy' scenario. There are times when, as a reader, I found myself sympathising with characters I wanted to help.
This is a tale with a strong appeal to a wide audience. It includes sex and violence but is not gratuitous; both are an essential part of the plot.
I recommend this book to anyone who remembers the struggle of growing into adulthood.
Carlisle has created a story about friendship, first love, consequences and opportunity, which is compelling to the end.
The cast of characters are robust and well- developed, which makes this far more complex than a simple 'good guy versus bad guy' scenario. There are times when, as a reader, I found myself sympathising with characters I wanted to help.
This is a tale with a strong appeal to a wide audience. It includes sex and violence but is not gratuitous; both are an essential part of the plot.
I recommend this book to anyone who remembers the struggle of growing into adulthood.
March 30, 2015
I was intrigued by the title and decided to try this debut novel. For YA readers I think this novel would be a great read. It covers bullying, family ties, ideas of integrity and ethics, that most teenagers will come across at some point in their lives. Set in the Glasgow region of Scotland and written form the point of view of a seventeen year old lad, who is struggling to find a comfortable place in society. It highlights the tough and hard existence of some of the poorer families and the camaraderie and friendships that can develop as well as peer pressure from some unsavoury quarters. Is being a coward different from being scared? I would definitely promote this book in the young adult section as a good read. Any Scottish or Glaswegian readers will get a thrill out of this book as the author obviously knows the area and has used local places to set the scene.
May 29, 2015
This book is fantastic any way you look at it and I think it has a very wide appeal. The author's writing contains the perfect blend of each element of the story. Characters feel like real people and scenery pops off the pages. As to the story, Stephen is the main character who is a teenager facing very typical issues. You really learn to sympathize with him right away. He is having a rough time but his luck seemingly turns around when he finds a lot of money. He clearly struggles with how to handle it - does he turn it in, or find a way to spend it carefully without drawing attention? Then there's the neighborhood bully who gives him trouble. It really reminds you of those kids from your school days who used to be jerks and rubbed you the wrong way.
Seriously, this is a great read and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
Seriously, this is a great read and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
September 2, 2015
A well-written gritty coming of age book. The book is set in 1965 in a run down Scottish council estate. Seventeen year old Stephen comes from a loving close knit family and hopes to escape to a better life through working hard at college. He has a good friend and a girl friend he adores. So why does he get involved with the local bully and crook Archie?
This book tells how one small incident leads to Stephen being tangled up in a web of lies and betrayal that drag him ever downwards as one thing leads to another. Suspense builds as the reader hopes Stephen will find the courage and strength to do the right thing before it is too late.
Realistic setting and rounded characters. I especially liked the villain of the book Archie wasn't one dimensional.
An enjoyable and engrossing read I'm happy to recommend.
This book tells how one small incident leads to Stephen being tangled up in a web of lies and betrayal that drag him ever downwards as one thing leads to another. Suspense builds as the reader hopes Stephen will find the courage and strength to do the right thing before it is too late.
Realistic setting and rounded characters. I especially liked the villain of the book Archie wasn't one dimensional.
An enjoyable and engrossing read I'm happy to recommend.
November 1, 2014
Jacob Carlisle’s Small fish Big fish, gritty coming of tale tell is a well written period piece. Set in 1965 Ferguslie Park, Scotland, Carlisle has faithfully recreated the atmosphere and nostalgia of the time and place.
Stephen McBride’s life takes a turn down a darker road from seemingly innocent decisions. Similar to the movie Crash, several lives intersect along his path. In the end, Stephen has to accept responsibility for his actions and pay the price, or run from them and pay an even higher price.
If you want to be transported back and in time to 1965 Scotland and follow Stephen through his trials and tribulations, you will enjoy Small fish Big Fish. Be warned there is strong language and adult themes that some younger adults and adults may find shocking.
Stephen McBride’s life takes a turn down a darker road from seemingly innocent decisions. Similar to the movie Crash, several lives intersect along his path. In the end, Stephen has to accept responsibility for his actions and pay the price, or run from them and pay an even higher price.
If you want to be transported back and in time to 1965 Scotland and follow Stephen through his trials and tribulations, you will enjoy Small fish Big Fish. Be warned there is strong language and adult themes that some younger adults and adults may find shocking.
September 18, 2017
"Small Fish Big Fish" by PJ McDermott follows the journey that seventeen-year-old Stephen McBride takes after finding a ten pound note. Remember it is 1965 and the level of poverty in his Scottish neighbourhood is high. Stephen makes some undesirable choices and hangs out with young hoods who are a negative influence in his life.
The author does a wonderful job of illustrating the appalling conditions of the town. In some ways, the choices made by Stephen are understandable.
Thank you GoodReads for the book.
The author does a wonderful job of illustrating the appalling conditions of the town. In some ways, the choices made by Stephen are understandable.
Thank you GoodReads for the book.
January 29, 2015
Superbly written.
Scottish setting.
Compelling storyline.
Well-developed characters.
Brilliant soundtrack.
Five stars.
That's all you need to know, really…
(I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.)
Scottish setting.
Compelling storyline.
Well-developed characters.
Brilliant soundtrack.
Five stars.
That's all you need to know, really…
(I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.)
August 26, 2015
A coming-of-age story of teenager Stephen as he tries to navigate the often cruel challenges that threaten to define his future.
A gripping read about a good kid in less than ideal circumstances and the choices he makes.
I recommend Small Fish, Big Fish by Jacob Carlisle.
A gripping read about a good kid in less than ideal circumstances and the choices he makes.
I recommend Small Fish, Big Fish by Jacob Carlisle.
December 27, 2016
WOW
What a great read, I couldn't put it down!!
Loved the story and all the caricatures
What a great read, I couldn't put it down!!
Loved the story and all the caricatures
August 13, 2017
Book Review
A humourous tale of revenge. I enjoyed reading this short story. PJ McDermott is an easy read for anyone's Pleasure.
A humourous tale of revenge. I enjoyed reading this short story. PJ McDermott is an easy read for anyone's Pleasure.
July 2, 2019
Absolutely loved this book. What an inspiring story
April 6, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, Interesting read, just couldn't totally get in to it, sometimes just can't so more on my side than the writer's probably. Wish amazon and goodreads would have equal star ratings a 3 on goodreads is a 4 on amazon
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