Fish Tales by Nettie Jones – A Bold Literary Classic

Fish Tales by Nettie Jones is a powerful and provocative novel that follows Lewis Jones as she navigates lovers, parties, and shifting power dynamics across 1970s New York and Detroit. This rediscovered literary gem explores desire, pleasure, exploitation, selfhood, and self-destruction with unflinching honesty and lyrical intensity.

Originally published in 1983 and championed by Toni Morrison, who acquired the book for publication, Fish Tales has been reissued in 2025 as a bold depiction of Black life and female sexuality. The narrative follows Lewis from youth into her late thirties, linking vivid episodes through a succession of relationships that reveal the complexities of identity, race, and power.

Why Read Fish Tales?

• Rediscovered Classic: A groundbreaking work brought back to readers after decades
• Toni Morrison Endorsed: Acquired and championed by one of literature’s greatest voices
• Raw & Honest: Tackles sexuality, race, power, and self-destruction with fearless authenticity
• Lyrical Prose: Vivid, provocative writing that captures 1970s America with visceral detail
• Character-Driven: Follow Lewis Jones through transformative relationships and experiences

Book Details

• Author: Nettie Jones
• Publisher: Virago (2025 reissue)
• Pages: 272
• ISBN: 9781804440803
• Binding: Hardcover
• Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary Fiction
• Price: LKR 2,950

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Perfect for: Fans of Toni Morrison, Shuggie Bain, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, and readers seeking bold, character-driven literary fiction with emotional weight and cultural depth.