Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Name: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9780753821787
Price: 27.99 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

The book that became a major film starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt

By Paul Torday

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.55

( 16,924 ratings, 1,886 reviews)

Summary

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday is a novel that delves into the improbable project of introducing salmon fishing to the arid landscape of Yemen. The story follows Dr. Alfred Jones, a fisheries scientist, who is recruited to bring this ambitious vision to life. Through unexpected challenges and personal transformations, the book explores themes of belief, bureaucracy, and the clash between faith and practicality.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate stories where idealism meets reality, taking you on a journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It's a delightful blend of satire and warm-hearted storytelling where you can become engrossed in the unlikely ambition of bringing a seemingly impossible dream to life. If you value a tale that combines politics, romance, and a little bit of whimsy, this might be just the right page-turner for you.

AUTHOR SIGNING 26 Sep 2026

Jon Toogood visits Book Hero

We were so honoured to have Aotearoa's own royal rock legend Jon Toogood visit Book...

NEW HERO ALERT 25 Sep 2026

New Hero Alert! Meet Liam - our new Bookstore Hero

We’re thrilled to welcome Liam to the Book Hero team! You’ll find him in our...

LIZZY'S CORNER 25 Sep 2026

Celebrating Bird of the Year 2026 with Bird Books

Today I've got a couple of INCREDIBLE bird books as well as a reading list...

AMELIA'S CORNER 24 Sep 2026

Amelia's Favourite Puzzle Vibe: What Makes a Puzzle Cosy?

What makes a puzzle feel cosy? Amelia shares her favourite puzzle vibe, from bookshops and...

THE BOOK BRIEFING 24 Sep 2026

The Book Briefing: 23rd September

Another busy day in the reading world with new book announcements and reveals, events happening...

An extraordinary, beguiling bestselling tale of fly-fishing and political spinning, of unexpected heroism and late-blooming love . . .

A Sunday Times bestseller Read on Book at Bedtime on Radio 4 for two weeks on hardback publication Rights sold in 18 countries Paul Torday's new book, THE INHERITANCE OF WILBERFORCE will be published by W&N in Spring 2008 Paperback to include Reading Group Notes 'A wonderful novel - a cry for humanity in our target-driven spin-riddled world' Marina Lewycka, author of A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian Winner of the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction 'This highly original novel blends satire with gentle humanity in a tale of what happens when idealism meets self-serving politics and bungling bureaucracy...A stunning debut' Daily Mail '[Salmon Fishing...] captivates the grumpiest reader within moments' Daily Telegraph '[A] delightfully funny debut...It's funny, ambitious, multi-layered and quirkily imaginative' Scotsman 'An entertaining and successful debut... it is warmly recommended to anyone searching for feelgood comedy with surprising bite' Sunday Telegraph

Description

This is the story of Dr Alfred Jones, a fisheries scientist for whom diary-notable events include the acquisition of a new electric toothbrush and getting his article on caddis fly larvae published in 'Trout and Salmon'. Dr Jones finds himself reluctantly involved in a project to bring salmon fishing to the Highlands of the Yemen—a project that will change his life and the course of British political history forever.

With a wickedly wonderful cast of characters—including a visionary Sheikh, a weaselly spin doctor, Fred's devilish wife, and a few thousand transplanted salmon—Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a novel about hypocrisy and bureaucracy, dreams and deniability, and the transforming power of faith and love.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is praised as a brilliant satire with genuine passion, delighting readers with its charming and humorous narrative. Paul Torday's debut weaves a splendidly eccentric story told through clever use of spoof parliamentary papers.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780753821787

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 June 2007

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Paul Torday

About the Author

Paul Torday was born in 1946 and read English Literature at Pembroke College, Oxford. He is married with two sons by a previous marriage and has two stepsons. He has spent most of his life in industry, but in the last three years has found the time to write. For the last fifteen years he has also been a keen salmon fisherman, and as he lives close to the River North Tyne, he has been able to indulge in this enthusiasm. He lives in Northumberland and has often visited the Middle East.

More from General Fiction

View all

Lizzy's Pick

Yesteryear

A BOLD AND BITING SATIRE. WILL HAVE YOU GASPING TO THE FINAL PAGE — Nita Prose WICKEDLY FUNNY, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FRIGHTENINGLY PERCEPTIVE — Abigail Dean INVENTIVE, ADDICTIVE, A WILD RIDE — Ashley Audrain SHOT THROUGH WITH HUMOUR AND LACED WITH DARKNESS — Clare Mackintosh The Stepford Wives meets The Handmaid's Tale — Hannah Deitch My name was Natalie Heller...

By Caro Claire Burke

Paperback

$29⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$36⁹⁹~~

(3)

In Stock
Ships today
Dylan's Pick

Theo of Golden

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.' One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from…His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance –...

By Allen Levi

Paperback

$28⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$34⁹⁹~~

(6)

In Stock
Ships today
The Wedding People

'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people — but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...

By Alison Espach

Paperback

$23⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

(3)

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)

All five of the Court of Thorns and Roses paperbacks packaged together in a gorgeous box set. "Passionate, violent, sexy and daring." —USA TODAY on A Court of Thorns and Roses Feyre is a huntress. The skin of a wolf would bring enough gold to feed her sisters for a month. But the life of a magical creature comes at...

By Sarah J. Maas

Set

$99⁹⁹
Elsewhere:
~~$124⁹⁵~~

(4)

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Wings and Ruin

The third instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. In A Court of Wings and Ruin, the gripping third book of the ACOTAR series, Feyre Archeron faces the ultimate battle for her world. Having returned to the Spring Court, she is determined to gather...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Thorns and Roses

The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan – Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism – The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

(2)

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas continues Feyre Archeron's epic journey in the world of the High Fae. Having survived the brutal trials under the Mountain, Feyre returns to the Spring Court. Though she now possesses the immortal powers of the High Fae, the traumatic experiences have left scars on her human heart. Haunted by the...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Frost and Starlight

In A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, readers are invited to revisit the enchanting world of Prythian in a heartwarming and introspective narrative. Set against the backdrop of the Winter Solstice, Feyre Archeron and her mate Rhysand return to centre stage as they strive to restore the Night Court after the devastating conflicts of A Court...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$22⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
Limited Edition

A Court of Frost and Starlight - Night Court Edition

The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. An unmissable companion tale to the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$23⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
Limited Edition

A Court of Silver Flames - Night Court Edition

The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$25⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today
A Court of Silver Flames

The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$21⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$24⁹⁹~~

(1)

In Stock
Ships today
Limited Edition

A Court of Wings and Ruin - Night Court Edition

The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. The third installment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million...

By Sarah J. Maas

Paperback

$24⁰⁰
Elsewhere:
~~$27⁹⁹~~

In Stock
Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.