Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus’s novel, published concurrently with the film’s release, offers a deeper exploration of the romantic fantasy between Elisa, a mute cleaning lady, and the Amphibian Man, a captured creature in a Cold War-era government laboratory. The novel expands on the film’s narrative, providing richer backstories for the characters and delving further into the themes of communication, otherness, and love.
This literary companion piece provides a valuable perspective on the creative process behind the Oscar-winning film. It offers readers a more intimate understanding of the characters’ motivations and inner lives, enhancing the cinematic experience. Furthermore, it stands as a compelling work of fantasy fiction in its own right, exploring timely and relevant themes of prejudice and acceptance. The novel’s simultaneous release with the film offers a unique case study in cross-media storytelling.
