A review by lowrijs
The Art of Taxidermy by Sharon Kernot

5.0

I LOVED this book! This is the first I've read that is written in verse so I had no expectations going in, especially as I don't usually enjoy modern poetry. However, I was really interested in the subject matter of taxidermy as I love nature and volunteer in the natural history exhibits at my local museum, so have an active interest in a career as a taxidermist. And this is what I ended up loving most about this book - the descriptions of nature and wildlife, especially as I have little knowledge of Australian natural history so it was really interesting to learn about the different birds they have there compared to my home country of Wales. I also loved how it shed light on a career that no one ever talks about and is usually shied away from as something cruel and barbaric - it shows that no, taxidermy is not cruel or barbaric at all, but important in terms of science, education, and at its base, as an art form. I enjoyed following the main character, Lottie's, journey to a career as a taxidermist, how she kept going despite others not believing in her and judging her for what she loved, and how she became a master of her art through sheer passion. The discussion surrounding grief, and how Lottie used taxidermy as a coping mechanism that eventually helped her to move on, was done really well. The family dynamics were also amazing - I felt connected not just to Lottie but to her father, aunt, and nan as well. I was also not expecting the discussions around German, Italian and Japanese internment camps in Australia during WW2, and how innocent people were treated terribly by the Australian government, which I never knew about but am glad to learn. The treatment of Aboriginal people disused through the character of Jeffrey was also treated brilliantly, specifically the removal of Aboriginal children from their families to foster parents who often treated them horribly. This book covered so many important topics so well in such a short number of pages AND in verse, which I usually find distances me from the characters, setting, and themes, but in this case did the opposite. It is a beautiful book, both in terms of the writing and subject matter, to the lovely illustrations of plants both on the cover and throughout the book itself. I would highly recommend, even if, like me, you do not read poetry, and especially if you are a nature lover, are currently grieving yourself, or are interested in Australian history. 5 out of 5 stars and I will be buying a physical copy of The Art of Taxidermy when it is released in August!