Plot Summary

The Sky Fisherman

Craig Lesley
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The Sky Fisherman

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

Book Brief

Craig Lesley

The Sky Fisherman

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

324

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Oregon • 1960s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Sky Fisherman by Craig Lesley follows Culver, a fatherless teen in a dying Pacific Northwest town, as he grapples with family secrets, his stepfather's criminal activities, and local violence, finding solace and guidance from his Uncle Jake, who runs a river guide service. The novel explores themes of identity, community, and resilience against the backdrop of economic decline. The book includes instances of violence against Native Americans and addresses systemic bias.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Melancholic

Emotional

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.0

614 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Craig Lesley's novel The Sky Fisherman highlight its evocative depiction of small-town life and intricate character development. Praised for its vivid setting in the Pacific Northwest and insightful exploration of family dynamics, some critics note the pace can be slow and the story occasionally predictable. Overall, it is commended for its heartfelt narrative and strong sense of place.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sky Fisherman?

A reader who would enjoy Craig Lesley's The Sky Fisherman is likely captivated by evocative coming-of-age tales set in small towns. Fans of Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It or Ivan Doig's The Whistling Season will appreciate the novel's rich exploration of familial bonds, nature, and personal growth within a close-knit community.

4.0

614 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Craig Lesley’s novel The Sky Fisherman was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, showcasing the author's acclaimed narrative and thematic depth.

The fictional town of Gateway, Oregon, in The Sky Fisherman, is largely based on Lesley's own experiences growing up in the Pacific Northwest, lending authenticity to its vivid setting.

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The Sky Fisherman explores the intersections of Native American and white cultures, drawing upon Lesley's personal connections and respect for Native American traditions.

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Book Details
Pages

324

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Oregon • 1960s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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