The Animals

There is a treasure trove of brilliant writers at American River College in Sacramento. Paramount among them is Christian Kiefer with this new book Animals. The main character, Bill, takes care of injured animals in a wildlife refuge in northern Idaho. He is loved by local veterinarian, Grace, who has a small, trusting child. Bill seems to have a rapport for the animals in his care, but he has doubts about the morality of keeping wild things caged.

His childhood friend and trouble buddy, Rick, has been in jail for a felony they both committed. So Bill has many secrets. When Rick comes out of jail, more trouble and worry come with him. The complex story is revealed slowly and we learn more about the buddies’ childhood and their terrible losses. They too are injured animals and we wonder if Grace’s love is enough to save Bill from his horrible past. We are rooting for him but the characters in this book are too human. This is a tale of moral ambiguity. It is fun to read Christian Kiefer and to be reminded of a man’s tale reminiscent of Hemingway. There are guns and wildlife and manly mistakes. This is a highly recommended, well-crafted story.