Why Fish Don’t Exist : A Story of Finding Our Way in a Chaotic World

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2025.

The profound and life-affirming memoir about finding our way in a chaotic world.

‘A sumptuous, surprising, dark delight’ Carmen Maria Machado

‘Her book took me to strange depths I never imagined, and I was smitten’ NYT

As the daughter of a scientist, Lulu Miller was taught that chaos will come for us all. There is no cosmic destiny, no grand plan. But years later, reeling from heartbreak, she stumbles upon the story of David Starr Jordan – a fearless taxonomist devoted to order.

Looking to cure her crisis of confidence, Lulu is intrigued by the hubris of this mighty biologist, who refused to admit defeat when lightning struck his laboratory and earthquakes shattered his collection.

Until, digging deeper, she makes a startling discovery. One that will upend her wish for a neatly catalogued existence and reveal the profound beauty of embracing chaos.

PRAISE FOR WHY FISH DON’T EXIST:

‘Shimmering’ Guardian

‘Astonishing’ Prospect

‘Compelling’ The Times

‘Fascinating’ Daily Mail

‘Revelatory’ Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction

‘Remarkable’ LA Times

‘Magical’ Susan Orlean

‘Perfect’ Mary Roach