I've been dipping into FAUNA for a few weeks, taking my time, having surrendered completely to York's world. It is a gorgeous book both inside and out.
Protagonist Edal Jones is on leave from her job as a federal wildlife officer, having witnessed one too many humans smuggling in rare creatures and killing most in the process. One morning, as she's cycling through the empty streets at the heart of Toronto, Edal watches a young girl and her big black dog rescuing birds that have knocked themselves out on the city's glass skyscrapers. Edal follows Lily to a wrecker's yard and there meets more waifs and strays both animal and human who seek refuge in this unexpected haven.
York creates memorable characters in Edal, Lily, Guy and Stephen-- all vulnerable and deeply wounded--and suggests that literature itself offers emotional balm as they gather to hear Guy read from Kipling.
What most amazed me about this novel is the confidence from which the narrative unfurls from the perspectives of raccoons, skunks and coyotes as well as from the mouths and minds of the humans.
FAUNA is a billet-doux to Toronto's wildlife community and to broken souls everywhere.
If you are in Toronto, come to Ben McNally Books (366 Bay Street, south of Richmond) on Tues. Nov. 16th at 7:30 PM and get your own copy of FAUNA personalized by Alissa York. It makes a wonderful gift and an even better treat for yourself.
3 comments:
Very nice review, sounds like an interesting book if nothing else.
I tweeted it to my following.
http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Alissa York is a wonderful writer and a lovely person. Her earlier novel EFFIGY is also worth your time. Any book that makes me want to slow down to savour it matters.
Oh, I wish I was in TO! I have an ARC, and while it's nice, the real thing is much nicer. Signed would be ideal!
I really look forward to this book, but I admit to feeling wary of it; I'm a bit afraid of what I might feel reading it as a major animal lover.
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