Paul Torday Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Collections

Paul Torday was a British published author.

Born in the United Kingdom on August 1, 1946, he passed away on December 19, 2013 at his home.

Paul first became a literary voice to watch when his debut novel was published. In 2007, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen was released and was so popular with readers and critics that it became an international bestseller immediately. It has been translated into 28 languages so readers all over the world are able to enjoy it. The book was also adapted, being made into a huge motion picture that starred Ewan McGregor as well as Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Torday would come out with more novels after the release of this first one. The books, which include The Girl on the Landing, More Than You Can Say, Light Shining in the Forest, and more, all came out and received high marks from critics while also being well-received by readers.

Paul was married and had two sons from a previous marriage. He helped to raise two step-sons. He lived close to the River North Tyne and is remembered as a prolific, talented, and insightful writer.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a 2007 book by Paul Torday. If you have been wanting to read a modern classic but you don’t know where to begin, this is a great place to start. This is not only an incredible novel but one that you can read first and then watch the movie based on it after for an awesome double feature. (Or you can watch the movie first and then read the book—it’s up to you!).

When a scientist goes to the Middle East, he has no idea that he is in for an incredible adventure. Dr. Alfred Jones is someone who has a quiet life that is nice and predictable. He is employed as a civil servant for the National Centre for Fisheries Excellence in London. Meanwhile his wife Mary is a financier who is completely dedicated to her work and is no-nonsense.

Alfred has routines that are simple and likes the orderly pacing of his life. Things take a change when he ends up meeting Muhammad bin Zaidi bani Tihama. The man is a Yemeni sheikh who has plenty of money that he can spend. He also has something that gets Jones’ attention: he has a dream that he will be able to bring the salmon fishing sport to his country.

Dr. Jones then finds out that he has become involved in a plan to take on the impossible and try to achieve it thanks to his new acquaintance. The sheikh’s enthusiasm and ambition is infectious and he finds that he has been persuaded not only by the sheikh but the members of the British government who would love to be a part of spending some of the sheikh’s wealth.

At some point between the Yemeni tall tales and bureaucratic spin, the doctor ends up discovering that he is thinking in bigger and bolder ways and on a more impossible basis than he has before. This story is told through emails, newspaper articles, interview transcripts, letters, and personal journal entries to create a unique tale that will be like nothing that you have read before.

This book is not only whimsical but it is inspiring too. With an awareness of the absurd and poking fun at institutions and more, this is a book that celebrates attempting the impossible. An incredible work that is so interesting to read that once you get a copy, you won’t be able to resist recommending it to everyone that you know. Check out Salmon Fishing in the Yemen to follow along with every word!

Light Shining in the Forest is a 2016 book by Paul Torday. If you love this author, this is yet another engaging book that is guaranteed to pull you in. The Lady praised this book as being ‘memorable, atmospheric and tense’. Meanwhile, Daily Mail said that it was ‘well-crafted and constantly gripping’. So many critics and readers have praised this book, with Red Magazine hailing it as being ‘Great writing from a master storyteller’. If you’re looking for a well written book that is worthy of your time, look no further.

Main character Norman Stokoe has been picked to be the Children’s Czar by the new government. He decides to take the position and starts preparing for it, even going so far as to sell his flat and to move up north for it. But before the first check for his salary has even entered into his bank account, there are all of a sudden new priorities that are being set for the government department he works for.

This means that the Children’s Czar network is effectively put on hold. However, it proves to be far too late to take the decision to employ Norman and reverse it. As a result, they do what they can. Norman is assigned a personal assistant and a large office set in the business park on the Tyne’s banks.

He has a nice leather chair and a brand new desk to sit at and settles into his new surroundings, patiently waiting for the approval to go ahead and start his mission. That never ends up coming but what does occur is that two children end up going missing.

He is the Children’s Czar so it seems like the case should be within his scope. Norman has so far led a career where he does nothing and the most that he is involved in is stamping paper pieces to send to a relevant department. Now he is dealing with a campaigning journalist and a very upset mother and it seems up to him to get involved at last.

But his quest will end up taking him to some strange places and end up sparking some questions about the very system that he represents. Will he be disquieted by what he finds? Read Light Shining in the Forest by Paul Torday to find out!