Blueback

Blurb

Blueback is a short novel by Australian author Tim Winton, published in 1997 and a new copy of it in 2008 It is subtitled: A fable for all ages.
Blueback details the life of Abel Jackson, a diver and later marine biologist, from when he was 10 years old into his adult life. The title of the book originates from a fish Abel sees while diving in the bay near his house; a giant blue groper. Abel and his mother, Dora, name it Blueback, and they repeatedly visit it as it spends its life on the reef there. Abel lives with Blueback through many hard times, including protecting him from a poacher. Abel grows up to become a marine biologist as a result of his passion for the sea and love of Blueback.
The novel isn't all about the life of Abel Jackson. The novel also outlines a message: "The decisions made in ones childhood can greatly affect his life during adulthood".
Described by the author as a "contemporary fable", Blueback explores universal human themes such as love for family, passion, growing up, and belonging.