Salmon Fishing In The Yemen

By: Paul Torday

Narrated by: Paul Torday

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Author Paul Torday makes his debut with this clever absurdist novel. Fisheries scientist Dr. Alfred Jones is approached by an extravagantly wealthy sheik with a novel plan. To foster goodwill, the sheik would like to introduce salmon fishing to Yemen - the same Yemen that is largely a desert - and politicians think it's a great idea.

©2007 Paul Torday (P)2007 Orin Publiching Group Ltd.

Critic reviews

A remarkably assured first novel, this one is a pure delight." ( Booklist)

Sardonic but warm with themes of faith and courage to follow dreams

Quasi epistolary structure that built nuanced characters. Very well performed in almost a tv doco style.

Distracted by the British bureaucracy/philosophy

Any additional comments?

I didn't like the premise of the book, valuable researchers' resource redirected to the pleasure of a man's desire to go fishing. The concept of "researchers working only in fear of losing their job", ordered by higher-ups to make the salmon fishing happen so that they can get rich, was personally appalling. I can't help but put myself in the story, and I would have to say that I don't enjoy living other people's frustration.

Seriously funny

Before reading, I mean hearing this book, I'd never considered fly-fishing, but now....
The book is original, clever, and bitingly funny. Thoughtful, too. The elegant writing is matched by the reading and production. The readers/actors did a wonderful job of accents and expressions. I may listen to it again just for the pleasure of it.
This was my introduction to Paul Torday, taken up at the recommedation of a friend. I'm going to look for more of his work right now.

So much better than the movie

Would you consider the audio edition of Salmon Fishing In The Yemen to be better than the print version?

For me the audio version is always better. Listening is like going to a play with my eyes closed.

What did you like best about this story?

It was different - not the usual hum drum subjects that I get tired of no matter how well written

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Glad I went to the movie before listening to the book. The other way around I would have been disappointed.

Maybe I'll Start Fishing....

The performance of this novel is excellent and the story is entertaining and thought provoking.

Lovely book

If you could sum up Salmon Fishing In The Yemen in three words, what would they be?

Lovely, very British

Would you be willing to try another book from Paul Torday? Why or why not?

Yes, combines humor, spirit, sorrow into a simply story. Unique.

Any additional comments?

I can't explain why I liked this book so much, but I did! Loved it and was sad to have it end. Whimsical yet very grounded. Had a few parts that dragged, but those parts helped tell the story.

Good listen.

Good listen, I wasn't sure what I was going to enjoy but was "hooked" after the confusing beginning straightened itself out

A great story told well!

I had wanted to read this before seeing the movie - enjoyed the performances! Held my interest well, good nuances and very expressive. Highly recommended.

Haven't seen the movie but really enjoyed the book

Any additional comments?

Good read. Had a little bit of everything in it. Politics, satire, comedy, relationships and some fishing. I would highly recommend it. Don't let the title fool you. Fishing is part of the story but really only plays a minor role.

Surprised...in a good way

I've seen this movie about a dozen times. I love it. I had no idea how it compared to the book. And now that I do know, I'm eager to listen to the book again. At the base of either version is a great story of faith!

The narrators also did a great job with the characters.