Animalia

Animalia is a powerful novel that traces the history of a peasant family through the twentieth century, exploring the omnipresence of animals and the transmission of violence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 20 March 2019
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Animalia is a novel that traces the history of a modest peasant family through the twentieth century, as they transform their small plot of land into an intensive pig farm. Set in a world dominated by the omnipresence of animals, the story spans five generations and witnesses the devastating impact of war, economic disasters, and the emergence of brutal industrialism. These events reflect an ancestral tendency towards violence, shaping the lives of the characters.

However, amidst the darkness, there are moments of enchantment and freedom. The realm of childhood, experienced by Éléonore, the matriarch, and Jérôme, the last in the lineage, offers a respite from the visible barbarity of humanity. It is a world of innocence and wonder, where animals are free to express themselves and live in harmony with nature.

The novel is written in shifting prose that reflects the passage of time, adding to the emotional depth and complexity of the story. Animalia explores the innate human desire to conquer nature and the transmission of violence from one generation to the next. It raises profound questions about the consequences of our actions and the impact we have on the world around us.

Through its vivid portrayal of characters and their struggles, Animalia is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that invites readers to reflect on the nature of humanity and our place in the world. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion and empathy in the face of adversity.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 196 x 131 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910695579