Among Animals: The Lives of Animals and Humans in Contemporary Short Fiction
This short story collection contains a broad spectrum of voices speaking to the complex connections between humans and the rest of the earth’s animals. Some stories, such as Jean Ryan’s “Greyhound,” are wholly rooted in a familiar world that follows the rules of physics and logic we are used to. In one, a couple adopts a retired racing dog, and while the events that follow are gripping and moving, nothing entirely unexpected occurs. Other stories, such as “The Boto’s Child,” by Rosalie Loewen, introduce elements of the magical and supernatural:  a woman goes for a moonlight swim during her honeymoon, and what follows is nothing short of miraculous. Such interjections of otherworldliness encourage the reader to consider how our relationships with other creatures are deeper than caregiving or condescension. Whether whimsical, sorrowful, or simply satisfying,  the tales Yunker has brought together ask us to pay attention to not only our actions toward animals but also the emotions that motivate our behavior. Any animal lover or connoisseur of high-quality fiction will appreciate this collection and the artistry of its contributors. --Amber Peckham