A Real Animal

In Emeline Atwood's debut novel, A Real Animal, Lucy embarks on a transformative journey through her twenties, grappling with loneliness and complex love. As she navigates pivotal romantic relationships and confronts the shadows of her past, including the aftermath of a sexual assault, she seeks a deeper connection to both the natural world and her own identity. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of shifting cities and tumultuous emotions, exploring the tension between the desire for extraordinary experiences and the reality of solitude. Atwood's vivid prose guides readers through the intricacies of Lucy's life, leading her to confront the wildness within and the profound sense of isolation that accompanies being human.