Book Review: Unlikely Animals: A Novel by Annie Hartnett
When I stumbled upon Unlikely Animals, I was instantly drawn in by the quirky premise and the promise of heartbreak wrapped in humor. Annie Hartnett, known for her previous work Rabbit Cake, has crafted a narrative that delicately balances life, death, and the strange in-between spaces. It’s a story that first caught my eye in a list of whimsical yet heartfelt reads, and I found myself thrilled at the journey this novel offered.
At its core, Unlikely Animals shines a light on the complex interplay between familial duty and personal aspirations. Emma Starling returns to small-town Everton, New Hampshire, a place that holds both sweet memories and bitter truths. She’s grappling with her identity as a medical school dropout, navigating overwhelming familial expectations while caring for her father, Clive. His hallucinations—full of enchanting little animals and the ghost of the long-deceased naturalist Ernest Harold Baynes—add a delightful absurdity to the otherwise heavy themes of illness and loss.
What truly resonated with me was how Hartnett portrays Emma’s transformation. Her journey isn’t just a physical return home; it’s a quest for clarity amid chaos. As she confronts her father’s condition, her brother’s struggles with addiction, and the mystery of her missing best friend, she becomes an unlikely hero. It felt very personal to me—how often do we carry the weight of our loved ones’ burdens while trying to find our own path? The narrative brims with such realness in its exploration of pain, making for a heartfelt experience.
Hartnett’s writing style is strikingly vivid. She weaves humor and pathos seamlessly, and there are moments that had me both chuckling and tearing up. The townsfolk, living and ghostly, are vividly portrayed, each contributing to the unfolding of Emma’s story. One standout quote—a reflection on second chances—stayed with me long after I turned the last page: “Sometimes what we’ve lost can come back to us in the strangest ways.”
Of course, some readers may find the pacing uneven; the narrative takes its time to meander through the lives of its characters, resembling the very flow of small-town life. But in this rambling, I found a deep sense of authenticity. It mirrors the unpredictability of real-life experiences, where moments of joy and sorrow coexist in clunky harmony.
In conclusion, Unlikely Animals is a gem for anyone who appreciates quirks in their storytelling and who finds beauty in imperfect lives. If you enjoy character-driven narratives that tackle heavy themes with a sprinkle of humor, this book will not disappoint. Hartnett has crafted not just a tale of family and friendship, but also a celebration of the strange and wonderful ways in which we find closure and connection. I didn’t just read this book; I felt it deeply, and I think you will too. So grab your favorite cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and let yourself immerse in the offbeat charm of Everton. You’ll come away smiling, and perhaps a bit reflective, too.