Book Review: The Council of Animals

The Council of Animals

Nick McDonell

2021

Fable

193 pages

When my brother suggested this book, I knew immediately I would read it. Understanding little about its premise, I trusted my gut and reserved it from the online CWMARS directory, which connects 155 libraries in Central and Western Massachusetts. Within a week this little ditty showed its cover at the Clapp Memorial Library, and I was off to the races.

I won't call it an obsession, but I love a book that I can read in a day. Gobbling down a novel and absorbing the contents in a swirl, is a favorite pastime of mine. When I saw this novel was less than 200 pages, my eyes widened, and a knowing grin rose on my chin. I don't get a lot of chances to read, so it is extra inspiring to know that I could take long strides in a work in such a limited amount of time.

The Council does not disappoint. For as compact as it is, Nick McDonell spares no pun as he winds you through the animal kingdom. The book drops you into proceedings already in progress, animals are collecting at a marooned yacht near nameless cliffs. The Council of Animals has been called to vote on a very important topic: whether to kill and eat the remaining humans.

Specifics are not given, but ‘The Calamity’ is referenced throughout the novel and is stated as the catalyst for the calling of the council. Appearing to be a contagion of sorts, The Calamity set off global turmoil, killed billions of lifeforms and left only a small camp of people near the meeting spot. Seeing as how humans caused the calamity, and being the proactive groups that they are, the animals convene a meeting to decide the fate of what's left of human race. The notion held by those commanding the meeting is that all species are represented at the council, but as you will find out, not all beings are considered equally.

Striking just the right voice of interested historian and avid chatterbox, the narrator deploys many weapons of wit as they walk you through the arguments. It is not revealed till the end whom the narrator is-I guessed it wrong-I would love to know who(and why) you think it is by page 50. Not every species of animal makes an appearance at the council-how could they in 200 pages😉-but the histories and anecdotes that get mention are a real treat.

Selfishness does not belong to one species and not surprisingly, the council operates like human political votes. We are quickly made aware, not everything is aboveboard with the baboon, and others. Unhealthy alliances are forged, and secret agreements are made and broken. Those with influence wield it, some selfishly, some heroically. It is not until all the voices are heard, even humans, that the purpose of the council is finally fulfilled.

Themes of subservience, duty, and hope are prevalent throughout this book. You will be delighted by the various factoids and misunderstandings that occur as well as how the author leans into some animal biases, revealing a bit about the frailty in all our ideas. Voices often overlooked are given a platform and psyches from throughout animalia are on display. Bats, crows, cats, and bears. Baboons, lizards, scorpions, and everything in between has a say in this story. You will be swept away, and sat down all too quick, one of the few books you can say that about.

What fate will our dearly beloved pets and prey decide for us? First listen to their arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’ humans and then decide for yourself if there is worthy argument for ‘us’.