Customer Reviews

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

(4.5 stars) One of the most delightful and original satires I've read in ages, this debut novel pokes fun at every aspect of British society, from government spin-meisters and crass politicians to marriages of convenience, TV interview programs, consumerism, and the belief that many of the world's problems would be solved if only other people were "more like us." This satire is particularly refreshing, however, since the author writes it with a smile on his face, preferring to prick balloons with his witty needling, rather than wield a rapier in a slashing attack.

The absurdity begins on the first page, when mild-mannered and unimaginative Dr. Alfred Jones, a fisheries specialist, receives a letter asking for his participation in a project to introduce Scottish salmon and the sport of salmon fishing into the wadis of the Yemen during the yearly rains. Alfred finds the whole idea ludicrous and ignores the letter, until the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and eventually the prime minister weigh in. The PM's office favors this effort for its "environmental message," the new links it will forge to a Middle Eastern country, and not incidentally, the huge, positive news story that may push stories of Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia off the front page.

Through letters, e-mails, memos, diary entries, newspaper articles, records of the House of Commons, interviews, and even intercepted al-Qaeda e-mail traffic, the story of Alfred's efforts to create a suitable environment for salmon in the mountains of western Yemen unfolds. Gradually, Alfred becomes intrigued with the research possibilities of the project, and his contact with His Excellency Sheikh Muhammad ibn Zaidi bani Tihama, an avid salmon-fisherman who lives part of the year on a Scottish estate, broadens his vision and stimulates his imagination.

Within the framework that includes the salmon project, Alfred's love life (or lack of love life, since his wife lives in Geneva), and the sheikh's broad vision of a more peaceful world achieved through fishing, the author pokes fun at modern life--government officials who take credit for all Alfred's work, foreign policy which reflects the belief that the Middle Eastern poor hate the British because they do not have TV and material benefits, and even a communications expert who proposes a "Voice of Britain" TV channel with a quiz show in which poor Iraqi contestants can win dishwashers. Not even the British army's "Bereavement Management Center" escapes the author's sharp eye.

As Alfred accepts the sheikh's "belief in belief," he grows emotionally, and when the prime minister insists on going to the Yemen for the first release of ten thousand young salmon into the wadi, the scene is set for a grand finale. Filled with timely observations, an entertaining cast of characters, and a unique and well-developed story line (though the conclusion is a bit weak), this novel breaks new ground. There are not many satires that can be called "charming," and there may be even fewer novels about salmon fishing that can completely captivate those of us who have never climbed into a set of waders. n Mary Whipple

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is an original novel. The plot revolves around an absurdist plan by a devoutly religious sheik and fishing aficonado who wants to introduce salmon into his native Yemen. He comissions Alfred Jones, a gentle mannered fisheries scientist to assist him, and the vulnerable, pretty Harriet, an administrator, to make the plan work. Salmon are a cold water fish, the chances of them surviving in a desert climate are remote. The plot sounds ludicrous - and it is. Even more so once the story swings into political satire mode when the Prime Minister, spun a merry dance by his odious Press Secretary, Peter Maxwell (anyone familiar with the 'Little Britain' comedy series - think Sebastian!), becomes involved as a means of getting positive coverage out of the region to deflect attention from the Iraq conflict.

The story, told in fragmentary style through emails, diaries, memos and extracts from unpublished books, becomes complex, as several plots unfold involving Harriet's fiance posted on military duty in Iraq, Alfred's marriage to workaholic sourpuss Mary who is similarly on duty - to her job - for a bank in Geneva, the machinacions of political spin and Al Quaeda, who oppose the project as it is ungodly. All of this is right on the topical money. The story of Harriet's fiance, Robert, in particular has special topical relevance in light of the March 2007 hostage crisis in Iran when British servicemen were accused of straying into Iranian territory. The quality of the prose sags in places, and its tone is somewhat Pooterish in the style of those gentle oh so polite English novels of the earlier 20th Century, much satirised by Cyril Connolly. 'I was somewhat alarmed to discover that...' Elmore Leonard, this ain't. However every time I thought the plot would descent into lunacy or cliche, the narrative swoops back up with a fine stretch writing. For me the sections involving descriptions of salmon fishing, Alfred's marital communication with his estranged wife - saying much about modern professional couples, and the descriptions of the Middle East - the smells, the Muezzin call to prayer, gathered from the author's own experiences working in industry in the region, are superior to the political plot sections, which had a lot to say about the modern spin culture in politics but was fairly weak, obvious satire full of cheap jokes.

I think the author's true strength, on this evidence, lies not in satire but in light comedy with a heartwarming message. This is achieved by the end of Salmon Fishing, which becomes a fable about the necessity of belief (carefully avoiding the sickly mawkishness of religious 'faith'). Write about you know, so the saying goes, and Paul Torday has gathered his experiences and passions, pulled them through his artistic consciousness, and produced a light, witty and original page turner.

Certainly the idea of establishing a viable salmon run in Yemen is, if not impossible, pretty darned close, and normally staid and compliant British biologist Alfred (Fred) Jones isn't shy about telling his superior so when his fisheries agency is approached to formulate a plan to do just that. Yet, Fred is dragooned into designing and overseeing the project anyway. His wife, Mary, is so preoccupied with her time-consuming career in finance, that she isn't the slightest interested in hearing about salmon in Yemen, so neglected Fred begins to form a confiding friendship with a younger woman, Harriet Chetwode-Talbot, the agent for the sheikh who is the creator and the bankroller of this salmon fantasia. Harriet opens Fred's eyes to the basically petrified habits of his life with her charm, her femininity, and her vulnerability. At the same time, both Fred and Harriet are changed by the "almost holy" Sheikh Muhammad ibn Zaidi bani Tihama, the Islamic visionary whose own belief in belief rubs off on them.

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN is a smart, bittersweet send-up of bureaucracy, politicians, marriage, international relations, and fly fishing, among other things. So many books published these days can easily be fitted into genres and follow numbingly-familiar formulas. Paul Torday, in this, his first novel, demonstrates that deft, thinking-outside-the-box fiction is all-getout enjoyable. Although a few lesser plot points play out predictably enough, unpredictability wins the day where it counts. And although this isn't a pat alls-well-that-ends-well yarn, it leaves the reader (this one anyway) satisfied and enriched. This is satire, yes, but not a an lightweight "fish story." This a tender tale of adult growing pains and quasi-spiritual advancement. If unassuming and unimaginative Fred can learn to believe, can't we all?

Anglers, dreamers, and everyone else, treat yourself!

As a former state fisheries scientist myself, I have to say that Paul Torday's book provides a hilariously accurate account of how governments actually work in the best traditions of the "Yes Minister" TV programme.

Torday's story of how a project, which is considered to be scientifically impossible by reclusive expert Alfred Jones, can be catapulted into an absolute priority by political intervention, is frighteningly accurate, as is the actual fisheries science quoted by the author.

The characters involved are also a delight - ranging from the introverted Dr Jones, to the visionary multi-billionaire shiek and the troubled project manager Harriet Chetwode-Talbot. But best of all, the Prime Minister's PR advisor and compulsive Blackberry user, Peter Maxwell is a wonderful comic creation who leaps off the page and has the reader skipping ahead to pages where he next appears.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a good laugh, as well as an insight into the way things ARE actually done in the corridors of power.

This book delivers a writing style which is both new and rejuvenating.

Classically loyal to the concept of bureaucratic ploy, the plot of the book delivers a contradictory premise: evidencing a government bureaucracy becoming involved and fulfilling a "dead at arrival" concept of infusing salmon (a cold water fish) to the hot arid lands of Yemen.

Conscripted by his government to aid in the development of a sheikh's passion to deliver fish of the northern hemisphere to his equatorial land, the protagonist, Dr. Alfred Jones, initially eschews the requests demanded of him. It is preposterous, he thinks -as does anyone else. To be called upon to deliver an act which would ordinarily be deemed an exclusive right for the almighty, Dr. Jones understands that he needs to keep his job and thereupon surveys the concept and architects the impossible dream. And, does it become realty? You will have to read it to find out.

The writing style is what makes this book both comical and seemingly relevant. It includes: numerous e-mails between Jones and his career-driven Oxford educated (he is too) wife who leaves his home for an opportunity to make even more money than he does (a fact she too often reminds him about in their e-mail correspondence); journal entries by the protagonist; articles from various newspapers; transcripts of television accounts; transcripts of interrogations relating to criminal and other acts; intergovernmental memoranda; intergovernmental e-mails; and (my favorite), transcripts of Parliamentary sessions which involve the salmon issue as well as lost soldier Robert - whose betrothed works with Dr. Jones.

The prose often delivers other delicious items. The dialogue of the rogue fishing-bitten sheikh displays enormously talented diplomatic statements which only trained diplomats or monarchs would recite - flawlessly and seemingly effortlessly.

As the book evolves, the characters dive deeper and deeper into bitter sweet alliances, trysts and victories. And, you just have to continue as the writer lures you to see "if it all works out."

For anyone wanting a quick and delightful read, I recommend this book.

4.5 stars

The Fisherman's chant

Rod/reel,Flask/creel, Net/fly book/, And lunch!

"Paul Torday's debut novel is about an impossibility. It is also about belief in the impossible, and belief itself. And the remarkable thing is that a book about so deeply serious a matter can make you laugh, all the way to a last twist that's as sudden and shocking as a barbed hook"

Tim MacIntosh-Smith

Jay Vent, the British prime minister, has his country in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and dug himself in a deep hole. And, he goes on digging. The Prime Minister's PR person hears that a wealthy Yemeni sheikh, is planning to introduce salmon to his land, and he spots a photo opportunity. The sheik's plan has to be made to work. The initial proposal was drafted by Harriet Chetwode-Talbot, the sheik's land agent, who is polite and promises "no unreasonable financial constraints". The responsibility for the success falls on the shoulders of Dr. Alfred Jones, fisheries scientist. He is also a husband of Mary, an international banker who observes the world in very practical terms. They have lived a "calm and settled relationship" between "two rational and career-minded people." Alfred Jones, of course, points out that the project will be a hugely expensive flop. The sheik wishes to share the joys of fishing - with his own peopl. As the story unfolds in a morass of emails, letters and diary entries, the sheikh has found believers. Alfred Jones is converted to the possibility of the impossible. He is forced into the project and interacts with Harriet and the Sheikh, something amazing happens. Alfred has solutions, and his anxiety gave way to a sense of excitement. He also begins to fall in love with Harriet. This is a wonderful, enjoyable read with many fairy tale elements.

"As with all good satire, there is tragedy, a story of love and loss and another of love that never was. The author must have had a wonderful time lampooning the world of Tony Blair and his government. The parable of belief and its power is also introduced", says Blair Fox I like to fly fish and the wonderful feeling of peace and togetherness with the world is indeed a part of the belief in the impossible. The lessons learned in the novel are ours to discuss and share. Along the way, we laugh a lot and we smile at the pompous Peter Maxwell of the Prime Minister's office.

"Fishing encompasses everything from the science of salmon spawning to the war in Iraq. But all these elements merely give structure to the story: a lovely musing on how risking it all - however much it may be perceived as foolish or ridiculous, can bring hope and faith and love to the most bleak of outlooks, and can render the most ordinary chap - if only briefly" DANEET STEFFENS

An extraordinary novel that surprises in its simplicity. Akin to the novel 'A Short History of Tractors in the Ukraine' by Marina Lewycka.

Highly Recommended, prisrob 08-23-07

Economic development is a complex, culture-based activity. There are many reasons to have economic development; there are perhaps as many different means towad economic development. This insightful and entertaining story portrays some of these reasons and means. The setting is water-short, conservative Yemen. This alone is worth the read. The development theme is one of introducing salmon in Yemen. Read this book to have some laughs, to reflect on ironies, to ponder the difficulty of change in our world.

(4.5 stars) One of the most delightful and original satires I've read in ages, this debut novel pokes fun at every aspect of British society, from government spin-meisters and crass politicians to marriages of convenience, TV interview programs, consumerism, and the belief that many of the world's problems would be solved if only other people were "more like us." This satire is particularly refreshing, however, since the author writes it with a smile on his face, preferring to prick balloons with his witty needling, rather than wield a rapier in a slashing attack.

The absurdity begins on the first page, when mild-mannered and unimaginative Dr. Alfred Jones, a fisheries specialist, receives a letter asking for his participation in a project to introduce Scottish salmon and the sport of salmon fishing into the wadis of the Yemen during the yearly rains. Alfred finds the whole idea ludicrous and ignores the letter, until the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and eventually the prime minister weigh in. The PM's office favors this effort for its "environmental message," the new links it will forge to a Middle Eastern country, and not incidentally, the huge, positive news story that may push stories of Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia off the front page.

Through letters, e-mails, memos, diary entries, newspaper articles, records of the House of Commons, interviews, and even intercepted al-Qaeda e-mail traffic, the story of Alfred's efforts to create a suitable environment for salmon in the mountains of western Yemen unfolds. Gradually, Alfred becomes intrigued with the research possibilities of the project, and his contact with His Excellency Sheikh Muhammad ibn Zaidi bani Tihama, an avid salmon-fisherman who lives part of the year on a Scottish estate, broadens his vision and stimulates his imagination.

Within the framework that includes the salmon project, Alfred's love life (or lack of love life, since his wife lives in Geneva), and the sheikh's broad vision of a more peaceful world achieved through fishing, the author pokes fun at modern life--government officials who take credit for all Alfred's work, foreign policy which reflects the belief that the Middle Eastern poor hate the British because they do not have TV and material benefits, and even a communications expert who proposes a "Voice of Britain" TV channel with a quiz show in which poor Iraqi contestants can win dishwashers. Not even the British army's "Bereavement Management Center" escapes the author's sharp eye.

As Alfred accepts the sheikh's "belief in belief," he grows emotionally, and when the prime minister insists on going to the Yemen for the first release of ten thousand young salmon into the wadi, the scene is set for a grand finale. Filled with timely observations, an entertaining cast of characters, and a unique and well-developed story line (though the conclusion is a bit weak), this novel breaks new ground. There are not many satires that can be called "charming," and there may be even fewer novels about salmon fishing that can completely captivate those of us who have never climbed into a set of waders. Mary Whipple

I got used to the story being in the form of letters, e-mails, interviews and diary entries and it seemed to get easier to read as the story moved along. However there were sections I skim read that I found plain boring.

Although I could see the political satire in the story I would have to question the description that it's a `...feelgood comedy...' as suggested on the back cover.

The intelligent conversation and observation came mainly from Sheikh Muhammad who was a likable and respected figure. I liked his observations on the class snobbery in Britain...maybe that WAS the comedy ;)

When we first meet Dr Jones (Fred) he has `...moved on from religion...' and gives talks on 'Why God cannot exist'. As the story develops he learns about faith from both the Sheikh and the Yemen project. However, although I appreciated his personal journey, I never got to really like him, I just felt sorry for him.

All in all it was 'okay'. A little dull, but readable.

Thankfully though, there are plenty more books on the shelf ;)

You know this, right? Yemen, previously called "The Yemen," lies on the fringe of the Arabian Peninsula as is best known today as a world-class producer of sand, desert heat, and political violence. Salmon are, of course, cold-water fish that are challenging to catch with a rod and reel but taste all the better once caught. So, we're on the same page, yes?

Now consider the chances of finding a novel that adroitly mixes not just Yemen and salmon fishing but also the British Parliament, Al Qaeda, a mystical sheikh, the art of public relations, a sad love story, and a journey of self-discovery. Before I read this book, I would have defied anyone to accomplish that seemingly impossible task. But Paul Torday has managed to do so, brilliantly, producing a satirical treatment of British politics that is alternately affecting and screamingly funny.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is the first of British author Paul Torday's six novels to date. Written when he was 59 years old at the end of a successful business careeer, the book reportedly allowed him to write about what he knows best (as every teacher urges in Creative Writing 101). As you might guess, what Paul Torday appears to know best are salmon fishing and the Middle East, and the resulting novel is the unique expression of a genuine talent.

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