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A review by thebobsphere
English Animals by Laura Kaye
3.5
When your reading schedule is dominated by fate (I have a TBR jar) , there are times when I think that the jar has a cruel sense of humour. Many times after a big chunky novel, a dense book crops up or a book by that same author but this time, the jar did a great job as English Animals came after a big slog of a novel. The topic is one that interested me, it was easy to read and I liked the way the book progressed.
Mirka is a Slovakian immigrant who is hired by eccentric country couple, Richard and Sophie, as an assistant taxidermist (unbeknownst to her – she thinks it’s just helping with housework). She discovers that she’s pretty good at it and develops her talent. As she fits in the household, she falls in love with Sophie. which is reciprocated. As the crush deepens it does put Mirka in an uncomfortable position and may affect her place in the household. The question is who are the real animals?
English Animals is a study of human relationships and the complexities which may arise. Each character views love differently and it makes an interesting mix. Also there are hints of racism and intolerance towards the LBGTQ+ community – not only in Britain but in Europe as well. In a way there is a nudge to Brexit but the book proves that bigotry is not only limited to one place.
The novel is not perfect, sometimes it’s a bit soap opera-ish but it’s not in great doses so that didn’t irritate me so much. I was going to be in a slump and English Animals pulled me out of it so that’s definitely a good thing.
Mirka is a Slovakian immigrant who is hired by eccentric country couple, Richard and Sophie, as an assistant taxidermist (unbeknownst to her – she thinks it’s just helping with housework). She discovers that she’s pretty good at it and develops her talent. As she fits in the household, she falls in love with Sophie. which is reciprocated. As the crush deepens it does put Mirka in an uncomfortable position and may affect her place in the household. The question is who are the real animals?
English Animals is a study of human relationships and the complexities which may arise. Each character views love differently and it makes an interesting mix. Also there are hints of racism and intolerance towards the LBGTQ+ community – not only in Britain but in Europe as well. In a way there is a nudge to Brexit but the book proves that bigotry is not only limited to one place.
The novel is not perfect, sometimes it’s a bit soap opera-ish but it’s not in great doses so that didn’t irritate me so much. I was going to be in a slump and English Animals pulled me out of it so that’s definitely a good thing.