Saving Fish From Drowning

A Journey Meant for Leisure Turns Into a Quest for Survival

Saving Fish from Drowning by bestselling author Amy Tan is a richly layered novel that blends dark humor, cultural insight, and mystery. When eleven American tourists set off on a guided art expedition along the Burma Road, their trip quickly unravels after their guide, Bibi Chen, dies under mysterious circumstances. Unbeknownst to them, Bibi is still watching—narrating the entire surreal adventure from beyond the grave.

Lost in a Land of Shadows

As the travelers venture deeper into the heart of Burma, they find themselves caught in political tensions, ancient superstitions, and unexpected captivity. Mistaken for a group of prophesied saviors by an isolated tribe, the group’s only hope lies in navigating a world they don’t understand, all while the ghostly Bibi observes with wit, regret, and wisdom.

Inventive, Satirical, and Spiritually Profound

With her signature storytelling brilliance, Amy Tan crafts a tale that questions truth, perception, and the boundaries between cultures. Saving Fish from Drowning is an unforgettable journey that explores human folly, compassion, and the unintended consequences of good intentions.

Published: 2006, Harper Perennial