Catfish Rolling

by Clara Kumagai
Catfish Rolling cover
Good Books rating 4.75
Magical Realism
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Technical
  • ID: 3056
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781774882801
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Published: 2025-08-26
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Catfish Rolling is a captivating young adult novel that blends magical realism with a coming-of-age story. Set in Japan, the narrative revolves around Sora, a girl grappling with the loss of her mother and the impending departure of her best friend. As she delves into the enigmatic time zones created by the mythical catfish, Sora's journey becomes a quest for understanding and self-discovery. The story is rich with cultural elements and explores themes of identity, love, and the passage of time. Sora's adventure takes a dramatic turn when her father disappears, forcing her to venture into the dangerous time zones. Along the way, she forms a deep connection with Maya, a confident and striking girl who shares her mixed heritage. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the time zones and the catfish, leading to a profound exploration of family, friendship, and the complexities of growing up.

Reviews
Just Imagine · 2025-10-16
engaging 4.50

The novel is praised for its fast-paced narrative and engaging storytelling, making it a quick and enjoyable read. It is noted for its ability to captivate mature readers with its unique blend of magic realism and Japanese mythology.

This reviewer found Catfish Rolling to be a savvy and fast-paced novel that will easily engage mature readers. They suggest it can be easily devoured in a single sitting, highlighting its engaging narrative. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of magic realism and Japanese mythology, which makes the story compelling and thought-provoking. The novel's ability to weave together different elements seamlessly is particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    Catfish Rolling is a savvy, fast-paced novel that will engage mature readers and easily devoured in a single sitting.

    It is a unique blend of magic realism and Japanese mythology.

    The novel's ability to weave together different elements seamlessly is particularly noteworthy.

My Mashed Up Life · 2025-04-19
gem 5.00

The novel is described as a gem and the best YA book the reviewer has read in ages. It is praised for its unique blend of magical realism, myth, and memories.

This reviewer considers Catfish Rolling a gem and by far the best YA book they've read in ages. They highlight the novel's unique blend of magical realism, myth, and memories, which makes it a standout read. The reviewer appreciates the thoughtful exploration of these elements, making the story both compelling and memorable. The novel's ability to weave together different genres is particularly noted.

Quick quotes

    Catfish Rolling, Clara Kumagai's debut YA novel from 2023, is frankly, a gem: it is by far the best YA book I've read in ages.

    It is a unique blend of magical realism, myth, and memories.

    The novel's ability to weave together different genres is particularly noted.

Foyles · 2023-03-02
perfect 4.75

The book is described as emotionally layered and slowly unfurling, meeting many of the reviewer's preferences. It is considered very close to their idea of a perfect book.

This reviewer describes Catfish Rolling as very close to their perfect book, checking many of their boxes. They highlight the emotionally layered and slowly unfurling story, which centers around complex themes. The reviewer appreciates the depth and emotional resonance of the narrative, making it a standout read. The novel's ability to slowly reveal its layers is particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    It checks so many of my boxes; an emotionally layered, slowly unfurling story centring ...

    It is very close to my perfect book.

    The novel's ability to slowly reveal its layers is particularly praised.

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