Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions is a novel entailing elements of magical realism written by Daniel Wallace and first published in 1998. The book was Wallace’s sixth submission after his first five novels were rejected by publishing houses. It was adapted into a film by the director Tim Burton starring Ewan McGregor and Billy Crudup. A musical adaptation based on it also premiered in April 2013 starring Norbert Leo Butz.
The book follows the father and son, Edward Bloom and William Bloom, through the conflict in their relationship. The father has told his life story through tall tales and legends even on his deathbed to his son who has to contend with their authenticity. Though the tales might be pure exaggerations the father draws from aspects in his life intended as lessons to his son. The stories range from encounters with beasts and giants telling narratives about overcoming adversities through wits and willpower.
The book draws its inspiration from Homer’s epic poem Odyssey, as the protagonist’s journey resembles the adventures of the legendary hero Odysseus. As James Joyce's Ulysses also alludes to the epic poem the narrative draws some influence from the classic novel. The book has received critical acclaim and worldwide recognition with translations in 18 languages. Kirkus Reviews terms the novel as “An audacious, highly original debut novel . . . An imaginative, and moving, record of a son’s love for a charming, unknowable father.”
