Description
Rocco the fisherman and the memory fish
Book summary
A poetic and intense work that intertwines the wisdom of the sea with the fragility of memory. Through the story of Rocco, an old fisherman, the Tuscan author Arianna Papini offers a reflection on transience and the evocative power of storytelling. The reader is taken on a sensory journey among the waves and memories, discovering how stories can structure the world and help us to know ourselves. A picture book that speaks to all ages, capable of moving and provoking thought.
What is it about?
Rocco is an old fisherman who knows the paths of the sea. He lives in harmony with the ocean, taking only what he needs and letting the rest swim away, for fear of offending the waters. On a full moon night, while out in his boat, the Bettina, he casts his net and reels in a special fish: the memory fish. This encounter becomes the pretext for an inner journey, where the memories of his life, marked by hardship, slowly surface. The story, which recalls the structure of oral traditional fables, is a tribute to the power of narration and its ability to give meaning to the passage of time, in an era dominated by digital memory and computer archiving.
Main themes
- Memory and oblivion: the fragility of memories and their unexpected emergence.
- Relationship with nature: the wisdom of the sea and respect for the environment.
- Narration and identity: the power of stories to structure the world and self-knowledge.
- Transience and time: a reflection on life, toil, and the passing of the years.
Who is it recommended for?
This picture book is recommended for readers of all ages, from fans of children's literature to adults looking for a poetic and profound narrative. It is ideal for those who love stories that intertwine realism and fable, and for those who wish to explore existential themes through language rich in sensory detail. It is also perfect for educators and parents who want to introduce young people to the beauty of reading and reflection.
What this book offers
- A sensory and poetic reading experience that stimulates the imagination.
- A deep reflection on memory and the value of stories in human life.
- A message of respect for nature and the cycles of life.
- An opportunity for readers of all ages to engage with universal themes in an accessible way.
- A narrative that combines oral tradition with contemporary sensitivity.
Technical specifications
- Author: Papini, Arianna
- Publisher: Kalandraka
- Language: ita
- Topic: PICTURE BOOKS, FICTION AND REAL STORIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
- Collection: GLI ALBI DI AUTORE
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: March 2019
- Number of pages: 32
- Weight: 382 g
Editorial review
A picture book of rare intensity, capable of speaking to a wide audience thanks to its evocative writing and the depth of the themes addressed. Arianna Papini constructs a story that, despite its apparent simplicity, offers multiple levels of reading: from a fairy tale for children to a philosophical reflection for adults. The work stands out for its ability to combine tradition and modernity, delicately addressing the issue of memory in a digital age. Recommended for those looking for a read that leaves a mark.