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The Fisherman King
Finalist for the 2020 Epigram Books Fiction Prize
Eight years ago, Lisan the fisherman, who has always believed he was descended from royalty, left his wife and the Water Village. Now he’s back, and he says he can prove it. Six hundred years ago, a forbidden relationship between the royal children of Brunei set into motion a chain of events that will end with the death of a king...or the death of a god. As the story of Lisan’s true intentions – and what he was really doing in those years away – unravels, the story of those doomed royal children also spins to its inevitable conclusion.
Eight years ago, Lisan the fisherman, who has always believed he was descended from royalty, left his wife and the Water Village. Now he’s back, and he says he can prove it. Six hundred years ago, a forbidden relationship between the royal children of Brunei set into motion a chain of events that will end with the death of a king...or the death of a god. As the story of Lisan’s true intentions – and what he was really doing in those years away – unravels, the story of those doomed royal children also spins to its inevitable conclusion.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
About the author
Kathrina Mohd Daud
7 books32 followersKathrina Mohd Daud is the author of three novels: The Halfling King (2017), The Fisherman King (2020) and The Witch Doctor's Daughter (2022). She holds a PhD in Writing from the University of Manchester, and is an Assistant Professor in Universiti Brunei Darussalam's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, specialising in Bruneian literature and Creative Writing. She has published both creative and academic work, and is currently undertaking an English translation of the seminal Bruneian novel, Norsiah Gapar's Pengabdian (Submission, 1987), and co-editing a special collection of essays on Brunei's first feature film, Gema Dari Menara (Echoes from the Minaret, 1968). She works actively with local creative communities, is an art critic for The Scoop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 18, 2023
My rating here is perhaps unreliable, because as this book is completely unavailable in hard copy in the U.S. (new, used, libraries—nothing!), I wound up listening to it on audio, which I hadn’t done before and have little desire to do again, though it was an interesting experience. It certainly drove home what a visual learner I am. I generally take complaints about foreign names in books as a bit of ethnocentric laziness, but the fact is I have a good visual memory and will never remember a foreign word I don’t know how to spell (fortunately for me, most of the characters appear in the Kindle preview, and the remaining few have common Muslim names. But a handful of places and objects get names later and I could not keep them straight).
But then, too, listening to a book drove home just how different storytelling intended to be performed orally is from the written kind. I don’t think this was always to the book’s detriment (reading aloud probably heightened the action and suspense, at least for this jaded reader), but more often than not it was: oral storytelling comes with reminders and repetitions for good reason, and the conventions of written dialogue serve the audio format poorly. The author definitely over-explains the dialogue, but it wouldn’t have stood out had I been reading it.
With those caveats, I had a mixed reaction to this book. It’s set in modern Brunei, though influenced by historical and mythical elements; technically it’s probably fantasy, but far more in conversation with the folklore of Brunei than with standard genre work. It follows a man named Lisan, of royal descent but orphaned young, in his quest to retrieve long-lost treasure from the bottom of the river: treasure mixed up with a powerful snake god and wicked royals of times past.
And on the one hand, I’m not sure why this book hasn’t been picked up outside of Singapore, because it’s actually pretty good, in the sense that it seems entirely ready for the big leagues. It’s professionally written, it’s an interesting story, it successfully weaves together the mythological and the present-day. And it has a strong sense of place, bringing in sensory descriptions and history and folklore and the everyday. And the global market is not exactly saturated with stories about Brunei. This one will put the country on your mental map in a skillful and entertaining way.
On the other hand—and I don’t know whether I can attribute this somewhat juvenile reaction to the audiobook thing—I hated all the characters. Lisan is insufferable: smug, entitled and entirely self-absorbed, and by the time he I was rooting for his death. His ex-wife and current love interest, Bathia, is only slightly more sympathetic, and an enabler from start to finish; the book acts like she’s tough, but she lets Lisan run her life from the moment he reappears after an 8-year abandonment, despite her intervening marriage to someone else. And there doesn’t seem to be anything to her life beyond her marriages, either. Everybody else is a bit-part character, insufficiently developed for any real investment.
So, in the end, I think this is a competent book but not a stellar one, certainly worth trying if you’re looking for a book from Brunei, and probably worthy of a larger audience than it’s reached so far.
But then, too, listening to a book drove home just how different storytelling intended to be performed orally is from the written kind. I don’t think this was always to the book’s detriment (reading aloud probably heightened the action and suspense, at least for this jaded reader), but more often than not it was: oral storytelling comes with reminders and repetitions for good reason, and the conventions of written dialogue serve the audio format poorly. The author definitely over-explains the dialogue, but it wouldn’t have stood out had I been reading it.
With those caveats, I had a mixed reaction to this book. It’s set in modern Brunei, though influenced by historical and mythical elements; technically it’s probably fantasy, but far more in conversation with the folklore of Brunei than with standard genre work. It follows a man named Lisan, of royal descent but orphaned young, in his quest to retrieve long-lost treasure from the bottom of the river: treasure mixed up with a powerful snake god and wicked royals of times past.
And on the one hand, I’m not sure why this book hasn’t been picked up outside of Singapore, because it’s actually pretty good, in the sense that it seems entirely ready for the big leagues. It’s professionally written, it’s an interesting story, it successfully weaves together the mythological and the present-day. And it has a strong sense of place, bringing in sensory descriptions and history and folklore and the everyday. And the global market is not exactly saturated with stories about Brunei. This one will put the country on your mental map in a skillful and entertaining way.
On the other hand—and I don’t know whether I can attribute this somewhat juvenile reaction to the audiobook thing—I hated all the characters. Lisan is insufferable: smug, entitled and entirely self-absorbed, and by the time he I was rooting for his death. His ex-wife and current love interest, Bathia, is only slightly more sympathetic, and an enabler from start to finish; the book acts like she’s tough, but she lets Lisan run her life from the moment he reappears after an 8-year abandonment, despite her intervening marriage to someone else. And there doesn’t seem to be anything to her life beyond her marriages, either. Everybody else is a bit-part character, insufficiently developed for any real investment.
So, in the end, I think this is a competent book but not a stellar one, certainly worth trying if you’re looking for a book from Brunei, and probably worthy of a larger audience than it’s reached so far.
April 20, 2024
We are taught in school how old Brunei is. How much history we have. But the details of that history, like the details of our sultans, are carefully glossed over. Few people have any idea of the scope of our land and tradition and memory. It’s not surprising. How can you take in and comprehend centuries of change and flux all linked back to a core that is something as fickle as water? Human memory is a funny and fragile thing. That’s why we leave things behind—buildings, carvings, sculptures, jewels, stories—to tell people that we were once here. Because we know that when we don’t leave things behind, we forget. And then we are doomed to start afresh, to learn afresh, wasting so much time…
Mitos - Impérios perdidos – História – Encantamentos – Odisseias Pessoais
O tema subjacente é o amor; amor pela pátria, por uma entidade superior e, não menos importante, o amor entre um homem e uma mulher que se unem na luta pela restauração da paz e da prosperidade no seu lar.
77/198 – Brunei
Mitos - Impérios perdidos – História – Encantamentos – Odisseias Pessoais
O tema subjacente é o amor; amor pela pátria, por uma entidade superior e, não menos importante, o amor entre um homem e uma mulher que se unem na luta pela restauração da paz e da prosperidade no seu lar.
77/198 – Brunei
June 17, 2023
i did not expect to be wowed by this book so much but oh god i was. it was so unexpected. the writing is lush and beautifully written. i loved the characters - especially Bhatia. She was spunky and so witty. The end didn't land for me personally but maybe I would have appreciated it more if I was more into mythology and folklore of Brunei. but i still loved it nonetheless.
you can check out more thoughts about this book in this video here: https://youtu.be/qgD0K8lTiHk
you can check out more thoughts about this book in this video here: https://youtu.be/qgD0K8lTiHk
February 15, 2022
“We are taught in school how old Brunei is. How much history we have. But the details of that history, like the details of our sultans are carefully glossed over. Few people have any idea of the scope of land and tradition and memory. Its not surprising. How can you take in and comprehend centuries of change and flux all linked back to a core that is something as fickle as water? Human memory is funny and fragile thing. That’s why we leave things behind - buildings, carvings, sculpture, jewels, stories - to tell people that we were once here”.
- The fisherman king by Kathrina Mohd Daud
.
.
One of the major setting in the book is Water Village or Known as ‘Kampong Ayer’ in Malay. I went there when i visited Brunei in 2016. Hence, reading the author’s imagery description of Kampong Ayer was so lush and vivid that it just threw me back into those travel memories. I must say that i love that the author managed to blend Bruneian folk tales, myth, magic, history and Brunei king’s genealogy in one epic novel. The prose was well-written and consistently balance throughout the novel while carrying a parallel narrative. The first narrative purposely brought us readers to understand the existence of Nabau, The Snake God which took place centuries before the current Brunei. The second narrative which were in the present time, we were introduced to Lisan And Bhatia. I particularly enjoyed the relationship story between Lisan and Bathia. They were more than a soulmate - They were a teammate and a best friend. This came from someone that didn’t really enjoy romance in any novel she have read. The love that they both have for each other is complex yet so strong. I swear that i hate Lisan when i first read about him - he left his wife for many years, then came back thinking that his wife will celebrate his return and felt betrayed when his wife already moved on and married Hussain. The audacity this man has for feeling that he has ownership over Bhatia is infuriating. Again, it does speak to the author’s skill to write about such a selfish man and have his actions to be justifiable at the end. Bhatia did not forgive him for leaving but she understood him - his pining over his lost heritage and ancestry, his ambition in finding the treasure and his obsession on tracing his history as he claimed that he has royal blood. Overall, this novel did well in paying an homage to Brunei’s rich oral traditions. It even made me felt so close to my own culture. If you have heard and read many Malaysian folklore, you may feel familiar with Bruneian folklore. It does bear resemblance though it was not 100% similar. One of them is The Jong Batu legend (or the tale of Nakhoda Manis) which is a bit similar with Si Tenggang. Another one is Nabau - The Snake God. As the variation of how Nabau came to existence can be trace back from Iban and local chinese in Sarawak. To those who are not familiar with Bruneian Folklore yet you still pick up this book after reading my review, read it like how you would read a captivating story that has strong influence of magical realism. I am ashamed that this is my first Bruneian Literature. Despite being a Malaysia’s Neighbouring country, It is not easily to get compared to Indonesian and Singaporean Literature.
- The fisherman king by Kathrina Mohd Daud
.
.
One of the major setting in the book is Water Village or Known as ‘Kampong Ayer’ in Malay. I went there when i visited Brunei in 2016. Hence, reading the author’s imagery description of Kampong Ayer was so lush and vivid that it just threw me back into those travel memories. I must say that i love that the author managed to blend Bruneian folk tales, myth, magic, history and Brunei king’s genealogy in one epic novel. The prose was well-written and consistently balance throughout the novel while carrying a parallel narrative. The first narrative purposely brought us readers to understand the existence of Nabau, The Snake God which took place centuries before the current Brunei. The second narrative which were in the present time, we were introduced to Lisan And Bhatia. I particularly enjoyed the relationship story between Lisan and Bathia. They were more than a soulmate - They were a teammate and a best friend. This came from someone that didn’t really enjoy romance in any novel she have read. The love that they both have for each other is complex yet so strong. I swear that i hate Lisan when i first read about him - he left his wife for many years, then came back thinking that his wife will celebrate his return and felt betrayed when his wife already moved on and married Hussain. The audacity this man has for feeling that he has ownership over Bhatia is infuriating. Again, it does speak to the author’s skill to write about such a selfish man and have his actions to be justifiable at the end. Bhatia did not forgive him for leaving but she understood him - his pining over his lost heritage and ancestry, his ambition in finding the treasure and his obsession on tracing his history as he claimed that he has royal blood. Overall, this novel did well in paying an homage to Brunei’s rich oral traditions. It even made me felt so close to my own culture. If you have heard and read many Malaysian folklore, you may feel familiar with Bruneian folklore. It does bear resemblance though it was not 100% similar. One of them is The Jong Batu legend (or the tale of Nakhoda Manis) which is a bit similar with Si Tenggang. Another one is Nabau - The Snake God. As the variation of how Nabau came to existence can be trace back from Iban and local chinese in Sarawak. To those who are not familiar with Bruneian Folklore yet you still pick up this book after reading my review, read it like how you would read a captivating story that has strong influence of magical realism. I am ashamed that this is my first Bruneian Literature. Despite being a Malaysia’s Neighbouring country, It is not easily to get compared to Indonesian and Singaporean Literature.
November 10, 2020
I got emotional within the first few pages - it truly is such a beautiful love letter to Brunei. It's a fast paced and atmospheric read, with beautiful imagery that makes you feel like you are sitting right on the docks in the water village. (At some points I even thought - I need to move to Kg Ayer stat!!) Throw in childhood sweethearts, black magic, political intrigue, mythical monsters - with Bruneian folklore weaved throughout. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 7, 2021
The door to a world that was completely unknown to me.
I admit that I had a hard time adjusting to the situation but the end was emotional.
I admit that I had a hard time adjusting to the situation but the end was emotional.
January 11, 2023
I loved this book so, so much. It checks everything on my super specific list: SEAsian folklore and history, beautiful setting, engaging characters, a plot that had my heart racing, deep-water explorations, and a romance I cried over. The main character, Lisan, was complex and multilayered, and I like that even though he made so many questionable choices, they all made perfect sense in the context of his character. It’s always nice to see a fantasy character who feels very real and fleshed-out, instead of feeling like a copy-paste moral paragon. Also, Bathia’s one of the best characters I’ve read in a while. She had such a strong personality, and she’s the reason this book made the jump from a 4-star read to a 5-star read for me. I loved how she constantly upset the narrative and provided so many extra layers of depth to this story.
Aside from this, I had some very minor issues with the ending, specifically with how a lot of the events towards the end were tied to something that wasn’t even a given (keeping this vague to keep this review spoiler free!) but this was still a wonderful read. It’s so unique and refreshing, and I think I’ll definitely be thinking about it for a while. trigger warnings include: child endangerment, incest (in the context of folklore), abandonment, and infant death.
Aside from this, I had some very minor issues with the ending, specifically with how a lot of the events towards the end were tied to something that wasn’t even a given (keeping this vague to keep this review spoiler free!) but this was still a wonderful read. It’s so unique and refreshing, and I think I’ll definitely be thinking about it for a while. trigger warnings include: child endangerment, incest (in the context of folklore), abandonment, and infant death.
December 3, 2021
I actually read this entire book in one seating. The writing is captivating, lyrical and keeps you reading. The story, however, felt lacking in depth at times. The idea of birthright, the Hindu history of Southeast Asia and the eventual transition to Islam could have been articulated in a more intricate and thoughtful manner. Of particular irritation to me was the author's note at the very end. We already know that it is a work of fiction. I felt that more sensitivity could have been displayed regarding Southeast Asia's unknown history--even if it is told in a fictional story.
Despite the prizes the novel has received, I found it rather superficial and lacking in imagination. The redeeming quality of the book was the writing--which is indeed beautiful. There aren't a lot of quality reads coming out of Southeast Asia and this book was a good attempt. I hope that authors inspired by this book will find it in them to dive deep as opposed to stay on the surface.
All in all, it was an enjoyable and very fun read.
Despite the prizes the novel has received, I found it rather superficial and lacking in imagination. The redeeming quality of the book was the writing--which is indeed beautiful. There aren't a lot of quality reads coming out of Southeast Asia and this book was a good attempt. I hope that authors inspired by this book will find it in them to dive deep as opposed to stay on the surface.
All in all, it was an enjoyable and very fun read.
December 19, 2021
There are so many contradictory aspects to this story, the plot and message, it reads like a draft. Some good descriptive passages, but little else to recommend it. Macho mania.
October 30, 2020
Oh my goodness – what an emotional roller coaster and rip-roaring read … I was dazzled and awestruck, it even made me cry. A magical multi-layered story within a story with echoes of legends and monsters. It has got it all, love and sacrifice, betrayal and redemption … and even, possibly, forgiveness. A love letter to Brunei, the sun dappling on the water, the gentle breeze through the water village, the rocks, the forest, the river, the bay, the markets and the people wafted gently from the pages.
Beautiful writing from the BRILLIANT Kat Daud - I can't wait for her next one...
Beautiful writing from the BRILLIANT Kat Daud - I can't wait for her next one...
November 3, 2020
My heart goes out to Lisan and his quest. I love Lisan and Bathia's relationship. I love the dives down the river. I can almost see and feel the snakes. This book almost made me cry, it made me gasp and once it made me laugh out loud.
April 3, 2024
The Fisherman King: A Dive into Bruneian Identity and Obsession
Kathrina Mohd Daud's "The Fisherman King" is a captivating novel that weaves Bruneian folklore, history, and family secrets into a hauntingly beautiful tale. The story centers around Lisan, a fisherman haunted by the belief he's descended from royalty. He abandons his wife Bhatia and the idyllic Water Village on a quest to reclaim his supposed birthright.
Strengths
Rich Cultural Tapestry: Daud's prose is vivid, transporting readers to the bustling Water Village and the depths of the ocean. She seamlessly integrates Bruneian folklore and mythology, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Duality of Time: The narrative cleverly shifts between the present, where Lisan chases his obsession, and the past, where a forbidden love story between royal siblings unfolds. This structure allows for a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and the cyclical nature of their destinies.
Exploration of Identity: The novel delves into themes of identity and belonging. Lisan's relentless pursuit of his supposed heritage isolates him from his loved ones, raising questions about the true meaning of family and legacy.
Compelling Characters: While Lisan can be frustrating in his single-mindedness, Bhatia emerges as a strong and empathetic character. The supporting cast, from the wise village elder to the cunning spirit guide, adds depth and intrigue.
Weaknesses
Pacing: The initial chapters might feel slow as the backstory unfolds. However, the pace picks up considerably as Lisan delves deeper into his quest.
Moral Ambiguity: The line between ambition and greed blurs as the story progresses. While this ambiguity is thought-provoking, it might leave some readers yearning for a clearer moral compass.
Overall
"The Fisherman King" is a captivating read that offers a unique glimpse into Bruneian culture. Daud's masterful storytelling explores the perils of obsession and the importance of family and community. While the pacing might take some adjustment, the novel's rich themes and beautiful writing make it a rewarding journey.
Kathrina Mohd Daud's "The Fisherman King" is a captivating novel that weaves Bruneian folklore, history, and family secrets into a hauntingly beautiful tale. The story centers around Lisan, a fisherman haunted by the belief he's descended from royalty. He abandons his wife Bhatia and the idyllic Water Village on a quest to reclaim his supposed birthright.
Strengths
Rich Cultural Tapestry: Daud's prose is vivid, transporting readers to the bustling Water Village and the depths of the ocean. She seamlessly integrates Bruneian folklore and mythology, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Duality of Time: The narrative cleverly shifts between the present, where Lisan chases his obsession, and the past, where a forbidden love story between royal siblings unfolds. This structure allows for a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and the cyclical nature of their destinies.
Exploration of Identity: The novel delves into themes of identity and belonging. Lisan's relentless pursuit of his supposed heritage isolates him from his loved ones, raising questions about the true meaning of family and legacy.
Compelling Characters: While Lisan can be frustrating in his single-mindedness, Bhatia emerges as a strong and empathetic character. The supporting cast, from the wise village elder to the cunning spirit guide, adds depth and intrigue.
Weaknesses
Pacing: The initial chapters might feel slow as the backstory unfolds. However, the pace picks up considerably as Lisan delves deeper into his quest.
Moral Ambiguity: The line between ambition and greed blurs as the story progresses. While this ambiguity is thought-provoking, it might leave some readers yearning for a clearer moral compass.
Overall
"The Fisherman King" is a captivating read that offers a unique glimpse into Bruneian culture. Daud's masterful storytelling explores the perils of obsession and the importance of family and community. While the pacing might take some adjustment, the novel's rich themes and beautiful writing make it a rewarding journey.
January 15, 2023
Some gorgeous writing, local texture and magical power, and particularly: more chemistry between the two leads than in many a romance novel. I googled Brunei and the Water Village; I knew nothing about it but it is real and exists on Google Maps. It is called Kampong Ayer and is a whole community on stilts. The novel is set here and is marvellous at evoking this particular kind of life. I felt transported into a world of walkways, lapping waves, jungles, islands, water snakes and boats. Most of this book seems realistic, set in this actual world, with chapter prologues in italics that harken back to some legendary past (or future?) and then, in a tumultuous last third or so, collide with the present-day 'realistic' narrative. It all fits together nicely in the end. The descriptions of deep-sea diving are particularly compelling.
"There is always a little bit of sadness when leaving the company of God for man." (p.94) Wow. Sums up the mix of reality/myth, Islam/animism in this tale.
The sea, ever-present, is not 100% benign, far from it: "The sun leaves a mark, it kisses skin brown, it chases away the wet and weighs nothing. It is not like the sea, pushing and pulling and bruising and relentless." (loc.1224)
Not quite five stars as not all of the narrative connections made sense and some of the pacing was uneven.
Read as part of my quest to read a book from every nation on earth. This one is: Brunei. The author was supported by the wonderful Epigram Books Fiction Prize for Southeast Asian literature (based in Singapore). The gorgeous cover was designed by Priscilla Wong.
"There is always a little bit of sadness when leaving the company of God for man." (p.94) Wow. Sums up the mix of reality/myth, Islam/animism in this tale.
The sea, ever-present, is not 100% benign, far from it: "The sun leaves a mark, it kisses skin brown, it chases away the wet and weighs nothing. It is not like the sea, pushing and pulling and bruising and relentless." (loc.1224)
Not quite five stars as not all of the narrative connections made sense and some of the pacing was uneven.
Read as part of my quest to read a book from every nation on earth. This one is: Brunei. The author was supported by the wonderful Epigram Books Fiction Prize for Southeast Asian literature (based in Singapore). The gorgeous cover was designed by Priscilla Wong.
February 12, 2022
objectively this probably deserves a four. but i enjoyed it so who cares.
the writing is sometimes technically clumsy but the author understands her characters and what she wants to say with them. the writing occasionally cuts my heart so precisely it doesn't even ache it just Acknowledges.
the plot occasionally just skips over stuff but i probably wouldn't care about that stuff so i'm okay with that. uh. the worst i'd say about it is the siblings felt a bit like a shaggy dog. but even their story's not about really about them so i guess it doesn't matter. anyway. the book's about a hero. an accidental, hungry hero who isn't much of a hero as he is simply Fated. really this all felt like a greek tragedy sometimes. and the fact that his character development came after the Story rather than during it was so interesting to me. like his destiny was something that took away his humanity and not something that gave it to him. that's nice. the way the writer approaches death is so funky as well. maybe it was just me but i didn't feel sad at all it just all felt so Inevitable and Necessary. maybe i am becoming a predeterminist. maybe i already was meant to be.
this isn't much of a review really, but to conclude. i liked it! its themes and messages and main character really resonated with me! i'd recommend it!
the writing is sometimes technically clumsy but the author understands her characters and what she wants to say with them. the writing occasionally cuts my heart so precisely it doesn't even ache it just Acknowledges.
the plot occasionally just skips over stuff but i probably wouldn't care about that stuff so i'm okay with that. uh. the worst i'd say about it is the siblings felt a bit like a shaggy dog. but even their story's not about really about them so i guess it doesn't matter. anyway. the book's about a hero. an accidental, hungry hero who isn't much of a hero as he is simply Fated. really this all felt like a greek tragedy sometimes. and the fact that his character development came after the Story rather than during it was so interesting to me. like his destiny was something that took away his humanity and not something that gave it to him. that's nice. the way the writer approaches death is so funky as well. maybe it was just me but i didn't feel sad at all it just all felt so Inevitable and Necessary. maybe i am becoming a predeterminist. maybe i already was meant to be.
this isn't much of a review really, but to conclude. i liked it! its themes and messages and main character really resonated with me! i'd recommend it!
July 17, 2022
3.5 stars that I’m rounding up. I mainly wish this was longer!
Bathia and Lisan’s relationship as it played out here was so compelling. I hated Lisan, but knowing their history helped me make sense of Bathia’s actions. This is where I wish the book was longer. I’d have felt more of Bathia’s conflict over Lisan if I had seen them as teenagers in love. If I had read scenes of Lisan as he was at that time, I would have felt more conflicted over him myself instead of just intellectually.
The story itself has some jaw-dropping moments. I loved the historical and mythological tie ins.
The ending left me kind of dissatisfied because I felt like the book largely forgave Lisan. I’d have preferred a more ambiguous ending that left it up to the reader. Not to say he doesn’t experience a cost for his choices. It’s not like he gets a happy ending, so I appreciate that.
Bathia and Lisan’s relationship as it played out here was so compelling. I hated Lisan, but knowing their history helped me make sense of Bathia’s actions. This is where I wish the book was longer. I’d have felt more of Bathia’s conflict over Lisan if I had seen them as teenagers in love. If I had read scenes of Lisan as he was at that time, I would have felt more conflicted over him myself instead of just intellectually.
The story itself has some jaw-dropping moments. I loved the historical and mythological tie ins.
The ending left me kind of dissatisfied because I felt like the book largely forgave Lisan. I’d have preferred a more ambiguous ending that left it up to the reader. Not to say he doesn’t experience a cost for his choices. It’s not like he gets a happy ending, so I appreciate that.
January 11, 2023
Written by a fellow Bruneian got me thinking… will this be good? My answer is I enjoy reading it. The folklore just caught me and the relationship between Lisan and Bathia just chained me to the story. I was a bit confused to the purpose of Lisan’s obsession and I’m still confuse (help me out guys!) but overall, this is a very good book and emotional as well.
March 29, 2024
Read Around the World: Brunei
This was, by far, the BEST RAtW book I have read in a very long time. Filled with folklore, mystery, fantasy and more, this was just magnificent from beginning to end [with so much unexpected sadness] and I highly recommend it to ALL who are doing RAtW, and to ALL that just love reading and a really great story. Absolutely fantastic.
This was, by far, the BEST RAtW book I have read in a very long time. Filled with folklore, mystery, fantasy and more, this was just magnificent from beginning to end [with so much unexpected sadness] and I highly recommend it to ALL who are doing RAtW, and to ALL that just love reading and a really great story. Absolutely fantastic.
March 24, 2022
Read around the world project - Brunei
February 21, 2023
Wonderful writing, but I just could not ~stand the main character Lisan.
November 3, 2020
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 5/5 stars
Full review is available on my BookTube Channel:
https://youtu.be/Qu2rkOqDmzY
Rating: 5/5 stars
Full review is available on my BookTube Channel:
https://youtu.be/Qu2rkOqDmzY
February 21, 2022
Book Recommendation: The Fisherman King is a culture-rich novel that draws on various aspects of the folklore, customs, history, and beliefs of the Bruneian and uses them to add an almost fantastical element to the plot of the story.
Kathrina Mohd Daud abundantly plucks out the folktales told around the hearth in the houses of Brunei and weaves them, knot by knot, into an almost scary, fantastical adventure of a man, Lisan, and his attempt to claim back who he is and the inheritance that comes along with the claim.
I don't know about you but there I find myself with a certain attraction towards a story that focuses on discovering the attribute of an identity of the titular protagonist.
Mystical moments that often happen during recollections of Lisan's ancestors make the atmosphere around almost thick with a dark influence, something that will rest at the back of the mind waiting calmly to interject itself when the story reaches a point of escalation.
There's one creature, the Snake God - Nabau, that will remain in your mind for a very long time.
Maybe it is for the best that the things we read about in folktales and mythology are not real.
For if they were, it would be a different world to live in altogether.
Apart from inducing the sense of wonder, the book masterfully plays upon your emotions, growing closer to you as you explore its characters and the relationships that they share with one another.
You experience every emotion at least once during the duration of your read and enjoy every moment of it.
The character relationship arc of Lisan and his (ex)wife Bhatia could be one among the most beautiful relationships I've ever read about, like an uncut diamond.
It's been months since I listened to this book, and there are moments when I catch myself thinking about all the things Lisan could have done differently.
A story with a soul of its own, one that you ought to not miss.
If you're looking to read a book from the nation of Brunei, this might be the perfect one for you!
Kathrina Mohd Daud abundantly plucks out the folktales told around the hearth in the houses of Brunei and weaves them, knot by knot, into an almost scary, fantastical adventure of a man, Lisan, and his attempt to claim back who he is and the inheritance that comes along with the claim.
I don't know about you but there I find myself with a certain attraction towards a story that focuses on discovering the attribute of an identity of the titular protagonist.
Mystical moments that often happen during recollections of Lisan's ancestors make the atmosphere around almost thick with a dark influence, something that will rest at the back of the mind waiting calmly to interject itself when the story reaches a point of escalation.
There's one creature, the Snake God - Nabau, that will remain in your mind for a very long time.
Maybe it is for the best that the things we read about in folktales and mythology are not real.
For if they were, it would be a different world to live in altogether.
Apart from inducing the sense of wonder, the book masterfully plays upon your emotions, growing closer to you as you explore its characters and the relationships that they share with one another.
You experience every emotion at least once during the duration of your read and enjoy every moment of it.
The character relationship arc of Lisan and his (ex)wife Bhatia could be one among the most beautiful relationships I've ever read about, like an uncut diamond.
It's been months since I listened to this book, and there are moments when I catch myself thinking about all the things Lisan could have done differently.
A story with a soul of its own, one that you ought to not miss.
If you're looking to read a book from the nation of Brunei, this might be the perfect one for you!
December 2, 2020
5 stars. I’m entirely obsessed with the storytelling method of “multiple storylines that link at the end”, which can also be seen in The Last Namsara (another favourite of mine). Kathrina Mohd Daud absolutely smashed it with this book; there is not a single thing I dislike about it. In less than 200 pages, she has managed to tell three stories and countless life lessons. No time is wasted as readers are thrown into the story, which adds to the suspense, along with the characters not fully telling the truth. I think my favourite part would be Lisan and Bathia’s relationship and conversations, because from there you can really tell that they’re made for each other. This book is perfect for people looking for a quick read or love learning about other cultures and their myths!
August 7, 2022
I found the story really fascinating and quite enjoyed the plot in general but I had a problem with the main character and his motivations.
I found Lisan’s motivations unclear and his actions inconsistent. He went from being driven by an overwhelming need to find his past to a power hungry kingdom seeker (wiling to sacrifice innocents for this goal) to remorseful …. nothing, I guess, with speed that gave me whiplash. And frankly he was a major dick to Bathia. He went on about what a strong independent woman she is and then proceeded to tell her what to do all of the time. So he wanted a woman who appeared strong but would actually always do what he wanted.
The writing also didn’t really work for me but writing is very much a matter of personal preference.
I found Lisan’s motivations unclear and his actions inconsistent. He went from being driven by an overwhelming need to find his past to a power hungry kingdom seeker (wiling to sacrifice innocents for this goal) to remorseful …. nothing, I guess, with speed that gave me whiplash. And frankly he was a major dick to Bathia. He went on about what a strong independent woman she is and then proceeded to tell her what to do all of the time. So he wanted a woman who appeared strong but would actually always do what he wanted.
The writing also didn’t really work for me but writing is very much a matter of personal preference.
December 5, 2021
An interesting novel that takes inspiration from Bruneian folklore and is very original for the most part, aside from the occasional cliché moment or archetypal character, like Khalid who felt rather one dimensional and seemed to serve simply as a plot device. Regardless, the main plot was paced well and complimented nicely by the parallel narrative. The prose was well-written, while not being arduous to read, and the imagery of Kampong Ayer was lush and vivid. Overall, an exemplary addition to the scarce collection of contemporary Bruneian literature.
May 26, 2024
Me ha gustado mucho esta historia, a pesar de que no es en absoluto mi estilo de libro. Mezcla el relato de una leyenda de Brunei con el de un presente que tiene conexión mediante unos personajes bien construidos y una trama de aventura e intriga bastante chula.
May 25, 2021
I was taken in on page two and so enjoyed this read as our book from Brunei. The balance of description/culture and fantastical storytelling was excellent, but carried some heavier themes as well.
July 27, 2021
This is one I was very excited to read cause of all the raving reviews since its been released.
This story follows Lisan, who came home to Kampong Ayer after being away for eight years hoping to not only rekindle his relationship with his wife, Bathia but also find a hidden treasure left from a Sultan long ago. But there’s a catch…Lisan also believed that he was descended from royalty and he has found a way to prove it but what is Lisan’s true intention? To find the hidden treasure or to find out who he really is? I love the relationship of Lisan and Bathia. They are so unique and the fact that they know and understand each other so well really adds more depth to the story. Although this was a short book, it is filled with tense and thrilling moments and I love how the myths and folklores are weaved into the story.
I do not know much about Bruneian myths and folklores so this was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed reading about the Nabau and the history of Jong Batu! It is so refreshing to read about your own country because I can vividly envision the story in my head, the setting and the people as well. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in reading more about Bruneian myths and folklores.
This story follows Lisan, who came home to Kampong Ayer after being away for eight years hoping to not only rekindle his relationship with his wife, Bathia but also find a hidden treasure left from a Sultan long ago. But there’s a catch…Lisan also believed that he was descended from royalty and he has found a way to prove it but what is Lisan’s true intention? To find the hidden treasure or to find out who he really is? I love the relationship of Lisan and Bathia. They are so unique and the fact that they know and understand each other so well really adds more depth to the story. Although this was a short book, it is filled with tense and thrilling moments and I love how the myths and folklores are weaved into the story.
I do not know much about Bruneian myths and folklores so this was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed reading about the Nabau and the history of Jong Batu! It is so refreshing to read about your own country because I can vividly envision the story in my head, the setting and the people as well. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in reading more about Bruneian myths and folklores.
September 6, 2024
Hace unos cuantos siglos, el príncipe heredero de Brunéi escucha de su aya una terrible y bella leyenda sobre otros príncipes herederos que vivieron mucho tiempo antes que él. Paralelamente, un pescador del siglo XXI llamado Lisan regresa a su pueblo ocho años después de abandonar a su esposa, convencido de que desciende del mismo linaje real de todos esos príncipes.
A lo largo del libro estas tres tramas se van entrelazando aunque las dos primeras son un mero marco narrativo para la de Lisan, que es el protagonista absoluto del libro. Lo cual es una pena, porque su trama no solo es la más aburrida sino que él es un señoro insoportable cuyas motivaciones no quedan del todo claras porque él lo sabe todo y por tanto los deseos y los sentimientos de la gente que le rodea dan igual. Ese ha sido el motivo de que me haya costado tanto llegar hasta el final, lo que me ha dado bastante rabia porque las otras dos tramas -inspiradas en leyendas de Brunéi-, a pesar de no tener tanto peso son excepcionales y con algunos giros realmente buenos.
¿Lo recomiendo? Sí, pero sabiendo que te vas a encontrar con un tipo que te va a caer bastante regu y al que estás deseando que la serpiente monstruosa milenaria y sedienta de sangre se lo coma de una vez.
3.5/5
A lo largo del libro estas tres tramas se van entrelazando aunque las dos primeras son un mero marco narrativo para la de Lisan, que es el protagonista absoluto del libro. Lo cual es una pena, porque su trama no solo es la más aburrida sino que él es un señoro insoportable cuyas motivaciones no quedan del todo claras porque él lo sabe todo y por tanto los deseos y los sentimientos de la gente que le rodea dan igual. Ese ha sido el motivo de que me haya costado tanto llegar hasta el final, lo que me ha dado bastante rabia porque las otras dos tramas -inspiradas en leyendas de Brunéi-, a pesar de no tener tanto peso son excepcionales y con algunos giros realmente buenos.
¿Lo recomiendo? Sí, pero sabiendo que te vas a encontrar con un tipo que te va a caer bastante regu y al que estás deseando que la serpiente monstruosa milenaria y sedienta de sangre se lo coma de una vez.
3.5/5
July 3, 2022
131📱🇧🇳BRUNEI🇧🇳I love nothing more than discovering a contemporary woman writer from a country that I know little about. Doud is a very talented storyteller and in this her first novel, she crafts a lovestory like the best of them! Intertwined is a classic Brunei mythological Nabau snake god tale that is terrifying. Our tragic couple are Lisan, the last of a royal lineage and Bathia, his long suffering wife. Set in the intriguing “Venice of the East”, Kampong Ayer, we have a tale of forbidden love, greed, power, treasure hunters, dragon killers and an odyssey to rival Jason! I loved it! And hats off to @epigrambooks because I have struck contemporary SE Asian gold with these award short lists! I’m heading off to read Doud’s second book now. Excuse me, I will be here for a little longer🐍#🌏📚#readingworldtour2021 #readtheworld #worldliterature #readingworldliterature #reading #readingwomenchallenge #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks #bookstagram #booklover #book #booknerd #bibliophile #travel #travelogue #fiction #nonfiction #nonfictionreads #travelbooks #ayearofreadingaroundtheworld #epigramawards #bruneiliterature #nabau
January 28, 2021
A love letter to Bruneian legends and folklore. While I am not very familiar with Bruneian folklores, I do remember my mum telling me the story of Jong Batu when I was a kid. I really loved the way it was incorporated into this book, along with a couple of other folklores.
Easy to read with great pacing and the perfect amount of suspense to keep you reading. My only suggestion is that perhaps it might be helpful (especially to non-Malay speakers) to include a glossary at the end to explain the meaning of the Malay words being used throughout the book :)
Thank you very much for writing this amazing piece of work. I’m really glad that I decided to pick this book up. It isn’t everyday that you see Brunei being represented in English literature. Hopefully The Fisherman King will be able to reach a wider audience all over the world.
Easy to read with great pacing and the perfect amount of suspense to keep you reading. My only suggestion is that perhaps it might be helpful (especially to non-Malay speakers) to include a glossary at the end to explain the meaning of the Malay words being used throughout the book :)
Thank you very much for writing this amazing piece of work. I’m really glad that I decided to pick this book up. It isn’t everyday that you see Brunei being represented in English literature. Hopefully The Fisherman King will be able to reach a wider audience all over the world.
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