A Fish Out of Water
by Maggie Shipstead
A Fish Out of Water by Maggie Shipstead holds a highly rated rating of 4.21 out of 5, based on 19.5K reader ratings. First published in 1961. The book spans 261 pages.
About A Fish Out of Water
Astonish Me is the irresistible story of Joan, a ballerina whose life has been shaped by her relationship with the world-famous dancer Arslan Ruskov, whom she helps defect from the Soviet Union to the United States. While Arslan's career takes off in New York, Joan's slowly declines, ending when she becomes pregnant and decides to marry her longtime admirer, a PhD student named Jacob. As the years pass, Joan settles into her new life in California, teaching dance and watching her son, Harry, become a ballet prodigy himself. But when Harry's success brings him into close contact with Arslan, explosive secrets are revealed that shatter the delicate balance Joan has struck between her past and present.In graceful, inimitable prose, Shipstead draws us into an extraordinary world, and the lives of her vivid and tempestuous characters. Filled with intrigue, brilliant satire, and emotional nuance, Astonish Me is a superlative follow-up to Shipstead's superb debut.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Maggie Shipstead |
| Published | 1961 |
| Pages | 261 |
| Genres | Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Chick-lit, Romance |
| Average Rating | 4.21 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 19,536 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is A Fish Out of Water?
A Fish Out of Water is categorized as Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Chick-lit. Its primary genre classification is Romance.
Is A Fish Out of Water worth reading?
Based on 19.5K reader ratings, A Fish Out of Water has an average score of 4.21 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is A Fish Out of Water?
A Fish Out of Water has 261 pages.
Who wrote A Fish Out of Water?
A Fish Out of Water was written by Maggie Shipstead. It was first published in 1961.
What is the ISBN for A Fish Out of Water?
The ISBN-13 for A Fish Out of Water is 9780394800230.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
