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Animal People
- Author
- Charlotte Wood
- Narrator
- Patrick Shearer
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Publish Date
- 23 April 2026
- Run Time
- 5 hours 40 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
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What to expect
Stephen is having the worst day of his life.
On a stiflingly hot summer morning, he has decided it's time to break up with his girlfriend Fiona. He's 39, aimless and unfulfilled, but without a clue how to make his life better. All he has are his instincts - and they may be his downfall.
Making his way through the pitiless city and the hours of a single day, Stephen must endure another shift of his dead-end job at Sydney zoo, fend off the relentless demands of his family, and face up to Fiona's aggressive ex-husband.
As an ordinary day unravels into an existential crisis, Stephen begins to understand - perhaps too late - that love is not a trap, and only he can free himself.
Critics Review
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Charlotte Wood is one of our finest and most chameleonic writers . . . This is a beautiful, resounding tale of an ordinary man flailing. It's superb storytelling
The Australian
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This is a compelling and ultimately moving novel that cements Wood's place as one of the most intelligent and compassionate novelists in Australia
The Age
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When I finished, I wanted to start it all over again
Sydney Morning Herald
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Wood is a consummate observer of the human condition
Australian Book Review
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Wood's books are an intimately rendered portrait of contemporary Australia and, as such, prompt readers to think about some of this country's real issues
Sunday Tasmanian
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It made me laugh and cry. What more could you ask for?
Readings Monthly
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Charlotte Wood
- Narrator
- Patrick Shearer
- Duration
- 5 hours 40 minutes
- Release Date
- 23 April 2026
- ISBN
- 9781399756242
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Genre
- Modern and contemporary fiction: literary and general, Narrative theme: sense of place, Urban communities / city life, Narrative theme: interior life / psychological fiction, Narrative theme: love / relationships, Domestic animals and pets, Zoos, aquariums, safari and wildlife parks
Synopsis
Charlotte Wood's critically-acclaimed early novel, now published outside of Australia for the first time.Stephen is having the worst day of his life.On a stiflingly hot summer morning, he has decided it's time to break up with his girlfriend Fiona. He's 39, aimless and unfulfilled, but without a clue how to make his life better. All he has are his instincts - and they may be his downfall.Making his way through the pitiless city and the hours of a single day, Stephen must endure another shift of his dead-end job at Sydney zoo, fend off the relentless demands of his family, and face up to Fiona's aggressive ex-husband.As an ordinary day unravels into an existential crisis, Stephen begins to understand - perhaps too late - that love is not a trap, and only he can free himself.
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