Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett blends magical realism and heartfelt family dynamics. Critics praise its quirky characters, emotional depth, and humor, while some feel the narrative can be meandering and overly whimsical. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its originality and warmth, despite minor structural weaknesses.

Readers who enjoy quirky, poignant narratives with a blend of magical realism and humor will find Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett captivating. Fans of novels like A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple will appreciate the unique characters and touching storytelling.

Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett is a tragi-comic novel set in the fictional town of Everton, New Hampshire, during the opioid epidemic, where Emma Starling returns home to her eccentric family and a community grappling with issues, including her father Clive's hallucinations, her brother Auggie's recovery, and the disappearance of her best friend, Crystal, all narrated by the deceased residents of a local cemetery. The book references substance use disorder, mental illness, and suicide.

Humorous / Mysterious / Emotional / Heartwarming / Contemplative

- Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett features ghosts as part of the storyline, specifically, those who reside in an unusual graveyard where the main character's father is seeing visions.
- The book is set in the quaint fictional town of Everton, New Hampshire, influenced by real-life events and people from Hartnett’s research, adding a layer of historical curiosity to the narrative.
- Annie Hartnett's inspiration for Unlikely Animals partly came from her time as a writer-in-residence at an organic farm, which influenced the book's themes of nature and small-town life.

**Emma Starling**  
A young woman who returns to her small hometown to care for her ailing father. Her journey involves self-discovery and learning compassion through her family and role as a substitute teacher.

**Clive Starling**  
Emma's father, a poetry professor and rock musician grappling with memory loss. He is determined to find Crystal Nash, reflecting his belief in the value of life.

**Ingrid Starling**  
Emma's mother and a dedicated historian, committed to her family and community. She copes with the challenges of the opioid crisis, her husband's illness, and eventually finds renewed appreciation for her family life.

**Auggie Starling**  
Emma's brother, who has firsthand experience with substance use disorder. He possesses a deep empathy for others’ struggles and becomes a supportive presence in his family.

Annie Hartnett

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Dog”

Prologue-Part 1

Unlikely Animals Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Rabbits”

Part 2 Unlikely Animals Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Deer”

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Part 4: “The Fox”

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Part 5: “The Rooster (and the Frog)”

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Part 6: “The Bears”

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Part 7: “The Rats”

Part 7 Unlikely Animals Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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Unlikely Animals

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