“This tragicomic novel is heartfelt, touching, and delightfully quirky. Youll fall in love with the offbeat cast of characters (both living and dead) and find yourself rooting for them right through the last page.”—Good Housekeeping (Book Club pick)A lost young woman returns to small-town New Hampshire under the strangest of circumstances in this one-of-a-kind novel of life, death, and whatever comes after from the acclaimed author of Rabbit Cake.ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, Book Riot • Longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates PrizeIt was a source of entertainment at Maple Street Cemetery. Both funny and sad, the kind of story we like best. Natural-born healer Emma Starling once had big plans for her life, but shes lost her way. A medical school dropout, shes come back to small-town Everton, New Hampshire, to care for her father, who is dying from a mysterious brain disease. Clive Starling has been hallucinating small animals, as well as having visions of the ghost of a long-dead naturalist, Ernest Harold Baynes, once known for letting wild animals live in his house. This ghost has been giving Clive some ideas on how to spend his final days. Emma arrives home knowing she must face her dads illness, her moms judgment, and her younger brothers recent stint in rehab, but shes unprepared to find that her former best friend from high school is missing, with no one bothering to look for her. The police say they dont spend much time looking for drug addicts. Emmas dad is the only one convinced the young woman might still be alive, and Emma is hopeful he could be right. Someone should look for her, at least. Emma isnt really trying to be a hero, but somehow she and her father bring about just the kind of miracle the town needs. Set against the backdrop of a small town in the throes of a very real opioid crisis, Unlikely Animals is a tragicomic novel about familial expectations, imperfect friendships, and the possibility of resurrecting that which had been thought irrevocably lost.
Unlikely Animals: A Novel by Annie Hartnett
In the captivating novel "Unlikely Animals" by Annie Hartnett, we are introduced to a peculiar and enigmatic pet shop nestled in the heart of London. This extraordinary establishment, known as "The Unlikely Animals Emporium," specializes in the sale of unusual and extraordinary creatures. The shop's eccentric owner, Mr. Buttons, possesses a remarkable ability to communicate with these wondrous beings, forming deep and profound connections with them.
Unraveling the secrets of the Unlikely Animals Emporium is Zelda, a compassionate and adventurous young woman who stumbles upon this hidden gem while searching for her missing cat. As she delves deeper into the world of the emporium, Zelda encounters a mesmerizing array of creatures, each with their own unique story and personality. There's Claude, an erudite octopus with a penchant for philosophical musings; Ernest, a mischievous monkey with an insatiable curiosity; and Harriet, a gentle giant of a tortoise who holds the key to many mysteries.
Guided by Mr. Buttons' wisdom and the unwavering friendship of these remarkable creatures, Zelda embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth. She learns to embrace her own uniqueness, to challenge societal norms, and to find solace and strength in the unlikeliest of places. As she navigates the challenges and complexities of life, Zelda discovers that true friendship and understanding can bridge even the most improbable gaps.
With its enchanting blend of whimsy, humor, and profound insights, "Unlikely Animals" is a literary gem that celebrates the extraordinary in the ordinary. Annie Hartnett's masterful storytelling weaves a tapestry of unforgettable characters and heartwarming tales that will resonate with readers of all ages. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of the Unlikely Animals Emporium and the transformative power of unlikely friendships.
