Human, Animal

This debut novel explores a family's struggle for connection amidst personal and societal upheaval, revealing deep-seated secrets that challenge their bonds.

In Human, Animal, readers are introduced to George Calvert, a dairy farmer grappling with the pressures of modern life. As he struggles to maintain his family's farm, George is caught in a web of denial regarding his business's decline, his mother's deteriorating health, and his contentious relationship with his youngest son, Tom. This tension is palpable, as George's reluctance to adapt to change sets the stage for conflict within the family.

Tom, freshly returned from university, finds himself retreating into the confines of his childhood room, wrestling with his identity and the expectations placed upon him. His isolation becomes a symbol of the generational divide, as he grapples with the realities of his upbringing and the values he wishes to embrace. The arrival of animal rights activists serves as a catalyst for confrontation, forcing Tom to confront his beliefs and his father's traditional views.

As the Calvert family begins to unravel, a long-buried secret threatens to emerge, one that could either fracture their already strained relationships or provide a pathway to understanding and healing. Human, Animal is not just a story of familial struggle but also a poignant exploration of our connection to nature, identity, and each other, ultimately offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of change.