The Magic Fish: Love Through Fantasy

 I wasn't sure what I wanted to talk about for this post because Pride Month is important and I think that the month should be dedicated to queer stories and the like. While there is definitely a plethora things I could pick, I wanted to highlight a remarkable story that I read last year. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen which follows Tien's relationship with his mother and the difficulty of coming out to her in a language she doesn't know well. The way that they navigate this relationship is through fairy tales reflective of their Vietnamese heritage. 

You see familiar stories about Cinderella and The Little Mermaid, but through the lens of another culture. The focus and details will differ, like when we talk about the evil step-mother and her daughter who are abusing Cinderella emotionally and physically. Taking away things that she holds dear and eventually killing her. A stark contrast from the story that we are told in the more popular tellings of this tale. One of the more interesting parts of this portion in the book is that Cinderella is not meant to receive any justice, but Tien's mother, Hien, is given a different ending by her aunt. One where the step-mother and her daughter get their comeuppance. 

This payoff confuses Hien because it is not what is supposed to happen, but is then assured that stories change and the details differ because of how old they are. This to me is an interesting approach to oral storytelling as that is how this story is being told in particular. But for Tien and Hien, they are reading from a book, so the idea of changing a plot is immediately apparent. This sequence leads to changing the narrative in a way that would communicate with her son who has been struggling to find the right words. To take the next step in navigating the new chapter in their book of life. 

Apologies if I'm spotty on some details. I gave myself a quick refresher, so I may not be giving this book the justice it deserves. Aside from the core element of communication through storytelling, I find that The Magic Fish's art direction really allows for it to stand out extremely well. I am reminded of Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon and CLAMP's Cardcaptor Sakura. The great attention that is being given to the fashion of these fantastical beings while having a more pedestrian look outside the magical world. In addition to the long, flowing, and extravagant dresses that are complimented by the beautiful wavy hair. 

Not to mention the panels that change color depending the scene. Which I believe function in the sense that red means the present, yellow depicts the past, and purple portrays the storybook world. A unique function that I have not come across in another book to my knowledge. These elements alone should drive people to read this tale, yet I really want to hammer it home that Tien's story is compelling and carries its weight and then some. 

It's terrifying to bring upon a new unknown element to somebody who may not understand you outright. Doesn't help being a thirteen year old child. I know how cringe I was in middle school. And if I had to figure out how to tell my Mom and Dad that I was gay, I would have lost my mind. I really enjoy reading these queer stories the kids are supported and loved because I know damn well that makes random assholes seethe on and off the page. 

Protecting and making these kids comfortable is important. Giving them stories like these is how they know that someone out there will accept them. Change doesn't always go smoothly and rejection is bound to happen on some front. Catching them when they fall is how we don't lose them. Educate yourself and protect LGBTQIA+ people. Happy Pride.