The magic fish

Real life isn't a fairy tale. But fantastical stories are the best part of the evening for Tiến and her mother, a moment when a Vietnamese refugee and her gay American son bond through the power of fables. The Magic Fish is a beautiful and impactful graphic novel about family bonds, love, and self-discovery. And some magical beings too, of course.

Tiến and his mother come from different cultures: she's an immigrant from Vietnam still learning English, while he was born and raised in the United States. But the bridge between them is created every night when Tiến reads fairy tales to his mother. Stories of love, loss, and discovery.

But there's one story Tien simply doesn't know how to tell: his own. What he'd love most is to tell his parents that he's gay, but the courage seems to elude him every time he tries. If Tien can't even find the right words, how will he know if his parents will accept him for who he really is?

The Magic Fish is Trung Le Nguyen's debut graphic novel. With beautiful illustrations, Nguyen explores the complexity of family bonds and how stories can connect people even when words fail.

“One of the most incredible graphic novels of the year.” - Entertainment Weekly

“Beautifully demonstrates how sharing familiar stories can be the best way to tell new ones.” - Kirkus Review

“A lyrical masterpiece.” - Buzzfeed