New Animal

Amelia is a cosmetic mortician who uses dating apps to meet people who are still breathing. She sets off on a seventy-two-hour mission to outrun her grief after a sudden loss, skipping out on the funeral and experimenting on the local BDSM scene. She learns more about sex, death, grief, and the different ways pain works its way through the body. Ella Baxters New Animal is a stunning debut that highlights the under-represented female sexuality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Amelia, a skilled cosmetic mortician at her family's funeral parlor, navigates the complexities of sex and death with a unique perspective. She utilizes dating apps to connect with individuals who are still alive, temporarily transforming herself through a combination with their bodies at night. However, a sudden loss forces her to confront her grief and embark on a seventy-two-hour journey. She skips out on the funeral, runs away to stay with her father in Tasmania, and explores the local BDSM scene, seeking solace and understanding. Along the way, she delves deeper into the realms of sex, death, grief, and the intricate ways pain manifests in the body. Through a series of encounters and self-reflection, Amelia confronts her limitations and ultimately finds her way back to herself.

Ella Baxter's debut novel, "New Animal," is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of female sexuality. Amelia's raw honesty and self-destructive tendencies resonate with readers, reminiscent of other notable characters such as Raven Leilani's Luster or the sex-addicted narrator of Leïla Slimani's Adele. Baxter's portrayal of Amelia's journey is both wise and heartbreakingly funny, highlighting the under-representation of female sexuality in literature.

The novel's compelling quality lies in Amelia's authenticity, a trait that draws the reader in and makes her relatable. Her willingness to confront her fears and vulnerabilities adds depth to her character, making her journey all the more compelling. The exploration of sex, death, and grief in "New Animal" is handled with sensitivity and insight, providing a fresh perspective on these often taboo subjects.

Baxter's writing style is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of Amelia's experiences with precision and clarity. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in Amelia's world without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The supporting characters, particularly Amelia's father and the individuals she encounters in Tasmania, add dimension to her story and contribute to her growth and self-discovery.

In conclusion, "New Animal" is a stunning debut novel that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on female sexuality. Amelia's journey is both introspective and relatable, and Baxter's writing style is elegant and evocative. The novel's exploration of sex, death, grief, and the body is handled with sensitivity and insight, providing a thought-provoking and memorable reading experience.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 196 x 129 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529074840