The Animals in That Country is probably one of the most bizarre books I have “read” (or in this case listened to). The story follows a wildlife guide amidst a national pandemic like no other. Those infected are able to communicate with animals. Sort of. There seems to be a lot lost in translation and all the communication is half-sensical. Almost like a toddler learning to talk, where it’s up to everyone else to try and decipher what the animals are trying to say.
As the pandemic spreads, people very quickly start to lose their minds with the weight of the new revelations and the constant talk. Jean’s son very quickly succumbs to the flu and becomes obsessed with being able to talk to the whales. In his pursuit, he grabs his daughter and goes looking for them. Jean, worried about them, sets out to find them with her favourite dingo, Sue, along for the ride. The story then follows Jean’s journey as she gets more and more sick but determined to find her son and granddaughter.
For the most part, the book is a conversation/monologue between Jean and Sue and both trying to understand each other. It is definitely a unique and interesting story, and I think it’s worth listening to it, rather than reading it. The author is the narrator and you get the full feel of how Laura Jean McKay wanted it experienced. If you’re in a mood for something different, I’d definitely recommend The Animals in That Country.
Bojana
Format
Audio books
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