There is such subtlety in Dovey's work here that I'm not sure I can really do it justice. To state what this book is doesn't help much - a set of stories narrated after death by animals which describe their deaths, most of which occur during human conflicts. What the book is about is hardly easier to pin down, which is what is terrific about it. Dovey explores what it is to connect, the nature of humanity as well as the nature of animality. She brings a perfect blend of poignancy and irreverence to the mix, managing to have gravitas about war without ever touching maudlin. Her narrators each have distinct voices - Collette's cat being perhaps the most memorable, although there is a somewhat odious ape - but all are curious about the people around them, giving the volume a warmth towards our relationships with individuals of other species. It is about hard things, but still very fun to read, and often very, very funny. It is, in short, a gem. And I can't wait to read Dovey's latest.