Ursina's Shelf - Animal lovers special
Issue 21
Dear Readers,
Famous animals exist through literature from Black Beauty to Milou. Yet there is a special breed of authors who go beyond describing animals and their adventures and bonds with humans and narrate their stories directly from the animals’ perspective. Here two of my favorite books that use this narration device.
Five-woof books
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2008)
Description: This novel is narrated by Enzo, who reflects back on his life and everything that happened to his race car driving owner during this time. Enzo recalls the joyous moments and those of desperation, most of all the reader learns of his keen intuition about his human family members and their feelings.
My take: When I picked up this book about ten years ago, I expected a light-hearted read with plenty of cheese. Well, I was dead wrong. This book is a deep reflection on love and family, as well as loss and struggle, and captures that sixth sense a dog may have to understand their humans. This book is both sad and uplifting; you will definitely feel like a part of the family.
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley (2020)
Description: The race horse Perestroika wanders out of her stall after winning a race, following her curiosity, which leads her all the way to Paris, where she befriends a regal dog, an intellectual raven, an anxious duck couple, and eventually a young boy, among others.
My take: While the tone may feel lighthearted at first and some of the animals biologically preconceived notions may make any reader laugh aloud, the style of storytelling reminds me most of a Greek parable with deep reflections on curiosity, hope, longing, fear, loss, and the deep need to find a family of your own. This fantastical novel will make you chuckle, maybe even cry, and certainly believe in the kind nature of fate and humans.
Bone-us recommendation
If you are in the mood for a true feel-good read, I recommend Amazing Gracie: A Dog’s Tale, a true story about a clumsy blind albino Great Dane that is heartwarmingly charming and reads like a beach read.
Currently reading: Märzgefallene, the fifth book in Volcker Kutscher’s Gereon Rath series set in 1930s Berlin.
Wishing you all a paw-esome weekend and happy reading. As always, please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and family and let me know what you have been reading.