Plot summary
The venomous lumpfish, an unattractive fish with bulging eyes and a painful bite, is at the center of an ecological crisis after a mining accident in the Baltic Sea. While the probable extinction of this species may not seem like a great loss to mankind, two individuals have very different reasons for wanting to save it.
Karin Resaint, a scientist, is convinced that the venomous lumpfish could play a crucial role in her research into animal intelligence. On the other hand, Mark Halyard, a senior executive with the mining company responsible for the accident, fears the financial and legal repercussions if the fish actually disappears.
Forced to collaborate, Karin and Mark embark on a quest through the strange and often inhospitable landscapes of Northern Europe. Their goal: to find the poisonous lumpfish and, in the process, discover truths about themselves and the world around them.
Ecology and conservation
The novel tackles the themes of biodiversity conservation and the consequences of human activities on the environment. Through the landscapes and situations described, the story offers a critique of industrial practices and environmental management.
The relationship between Karin and Mark, two characters with opposing motivations, explores the dynamics of forced cooperation and conflicting interests. The protagonists' journey is as much a physical quest as a personal exploration, revealing aspects of their character and motivations.
The author
Ned Beauman is a British author renowned for his unique and innovative style in contemporary literature. Ned Beauman is known for his innovative style and original approach to storytelling. His works often explore contemporary themes with a touch of humor and social criticism. His works, such as "The Teleportation Accident" and "Glow", offer readers rich and varied narrative experiences, while tackling relevant themes with a touch of originality.
This novel promises a captivating adventure, blending elements of ecology, mystery and social criticism. The characters and their contrasting motivations add depth to the plot, while offering food for thought on environmental issues and human dynamics. This is a story that could appeal to fans of adventure stories with a touch of ecological awareness.
The novel was nominated for several literary prizes, and received the Arthur C. Clarke Award, underlining its impact and originality in the contemporary literary landscape.
Poison fish
- Author: Ned Beauman
- Genre: science fiction
- Number of pages: 384
- Retail price: 22.90 euros
- Published by: Albin Michel
