book cover of Human, Animal
 

Human, Animal

(2025)
A novel by

 
 
Human, Animal is an ode to the wild, an elegy for what we have lost and a reproof of our society's inability to find common ground.

Since the death of his brother, veteran dairy farmer George has been struggling to keep the family business afloat. His troubles only worsen when animal rights activists descend on his cowshed one morning to film content for their social media.

The fallout is unprecedented, especially as George's youngest child appears to side with the activists. As the family navigate the real-world consequences of going viral, George's elderly mother sleepwalks back to her youth, and a secret she has carried with her for decades - one that could change everything for them all.

A revealing debut novel about the importance of connection in a divided world, exploring themes of family, identity, the enduring effects of conflict and the friction between tradition and progress - from land use and animal rights, to gender, sexuality and relationships. Human, Animal is perfect for fans of Pity by Andrew McMillan, Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart, A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson and The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Rijneveld.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR HUMAN, ANIMAL

'Blisteringly emotional, exploring the complex folds of family bonds. The last page left me haunted. Completely unmissable' - Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb

'Empathetic, beautifully written, and deeply moving, Seth Insua's debut novel explores generational trauma and the strength it takes to truly understand those closest to us. A bridge across viewpoints in divided times, Human, Animal is a must-read' - Bonnie Burke-Patel, author of I Died at Fallow Hall

'In his remarkable debut, Seth Insua achieves the feat of delivering on a compelling drama while also making the reader think and feel... Timely, funny and moving, Human, Animal reminds us how powerful the novel can be in the hands of a true writer' - Charles Fernyhough, author of A Box of Birds

Genre: Literary Fiction



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