If you’ve read many Amy Tan novels, you know that they’re probably not edge of your seat, but well-written. “Saving Fish from Drowning” is no exception. “Drowning” keeps Tan’s traditional sense of humor, which is quirky but easy to read.

The narrator is Bibi, a woman who has died before she could lead her friends on a tour of China and Burma. Her friends, though grieved by her sudden death, decide to take the trip anyway and have a series of adventures. The adventures get more and more farscial as the book progresses and the ending, though preposterous, has some touching elements.

Some have compared this to “The Lovely Bones” by Sebold but the only similarity I can see is the omnicient ghost narrator. “Saving Fish from Drowning” is much more like a Shakespearean comedy like “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Many elements seem mystical and impossible yet it’s fun to read and you sense life lessons subtly woven throughout.

Given the recent cyclone in Myanmar (which has brought a country to the headlines that many Americans have rarely, if ever, heard of), the timing of this read was poignant for me. I am intrigued enough by this book to read more about the “country formerly known as Burma”.

Thanks to Cindy K for recommending and loaning me this book!