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The Foxes of Firstdark
A story of foxes, from O-ha and her six unborn cubs in Trinity Wood to Camio, an American Red Fox far away in his zoo cage. The animals in Trinity Wood feel safe from predators, but their world is changing, humans are coming closer with their bulldozers, houses, their guns and their dogs.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
27 people are currently reading
2568 people want to read
About the author
Garry Kilworth
224 books118 followersGarry Douglas Kilworth is a historical novelist who also published sci-fi, fantasy, and juvenile fiction.
Kilworth is a graduate of King's College London. He was previously a science fiction author, having published one hundred twenty short stories and seventy novels.
Kilworth is a graduate of King's College London. He was previously a science fiction author, having published one hundred twenty short stories and seventy novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 16, 2010
Well, I sure hope I can do justice to this.
Hunter's Moon is an allegory of emotion biting, realistic proportions. This is animal fiction at it's prime; adult, realistic and competent. Garry Kilworth absolutely nails personification here. Unlike a portion of animal related books, these animals are written completely with the attributes you understand them as having in the real world. They barely break any rules, everything is believable. Though that specific set of rules is given "voice", it's given a human filter. Dialogue can be a little jarring at times for this reason because of human social expectations. Announcements of love, death, and otherwise are thrown out almost instantly by main characters. As is the case with real world foxes, who base love and dedication on merits of strategy and selection, yet to a degree that would seem sudden on human terms. It makes for a fascinating narrative, because from a reader's perspective, you see the pain, love and suffering. Yet from your vantage point you want these things screamed out. You want your characters to physically cry out their sorrows, to simply say "I love you" to their companions, and that creates a pint up energy and tension. But that's released through how they show love, standing by each other to the death, nuzzling and caring for them in times of sickness. They stand by such human values as loyalty, tender affection, and dedication to altruistic behavior. By instinct yes, but through the personification you see this ideal life presented. This is a world where humans selectively deprive each other of what they need, or leave others in physical or emotional poverty. While the foxes counteract this in a primal fashion, readers long to have these virtues that come so naturally to them. A major theme here is the basic purity of nature, how separated humans have become from this, and it's always awe inspiring to see that mirror held up through animal fiction.
Speaking of showing and not telling, which happens to be a primary rule of good writing, Kilworth also hits this note perfectly. The narrative is gorgeous, but not because he even tries too hard. There are no flowery opinions written in about the landscape, the change of seasons, and the lives of these creatures. He simply says it how it is and let's the intensity speak for itself. Captivation comes from the beauty of the natural world. Yet this novel does take poetic turns when shifts in POV occur, rather seamlessly in fact. A few spots of the story, especially near the end, incorporate a couple of poetry lines to express bewilderment in POV heavy passages. They aren't overbearing or overly long, instead they maintain an organic feeling to the narrative, grabbing the reading pace and slowing it down in moments of delicacy. Otherwise the narrative had a few too many conversational "that"s and "the"s for my taste, bogging a few sentences down, though I notice a lot of authors taking this route. (I really need to get my nose in some editing books and figure this stuff out)
Thematically the story deals with colliding cultures. While foxes are the central focus here, diverse animal species are brought in representing a variety of worlds. The two main characters are in fact of different upbringings, one representing a Native American mentality, wherein the land is sacred. The other represents the industrial revolution onward, a scavenging way of life and scenery. An odd couple indeed, yet they come to tenderly love each other and learn to adapt. Parallel to their lives, the world itself is learning how to grow and accept change. Suburban life, industry, and nature are starting to learn how to work with each other. The success of their romantic relationship is hardly a contrast, but a testament to the human world they live in. There are also themes of division brought on through individual mentalities of different species, whereas their spiritual needs are in fact oddly similar, which is something the main character muses over. A metaphor for our own respect to life, and to other people, and our sadly natural tendency to create labels and divisive mindsets. Despite the animals having to shift into industrial living, no green themes are present here. (that wasn't so resonate in 1989 of course) As aforementioned, the narration speaks for itself too much to interject opinions. The spirituality and love of the characters, including varying actions of the human counterparts, are given full room to breathe, because the narrator isn't speaking over them, he's letting them develop their selves.
The final quarter of the book shows signs of dragging, yet it suddenly kicks full throttle and goes into stunning territory. Spiritually, rationality, and the sorrow of bitter sweetness in the world is given forefront. The ending is simultaneously gorgeous and devastating all the same.
So, to summarize? I was left feeling, and still feel quite emotionally moved by this book. Granted I'm also a bit cynical about the state of affairs this implies on modern fiction. We live in a time where animal stories are regarded as kids fodder. A publisher recently told David Clement Davies, one of the last animal fiction writers around in the mainstream, "There's no market for animal fiction anymore." Ouch. So not only is there this mentality of child exclusivity, there's an idea it's a dying medium of expression. This book is plainly out of print, it has been for a while. I doubt it has any chances of seeing the light of day again. Why? Well, based on what I've said about the mainstream market, they aren't going to accept an animal fiction book with adult violence, (peppered with) language, gritty themes, and (poetic) mating scenes. This stuff isn't for kids, plain and simple, and the market and parents would be appalled based on modern "expectations". And apparently, from the words of the publishers in charge of feeding the masses, nobody cares about this stuff anymore. To which I say, oh well. I'll stand by it and go down with it. Maybe one day, as the book laments, society will break free of labels and molds, then allow room for unfiltered creativity. One could hope.
Hunter's Moon is an allegory of emotion biting, realistic proportions. This is animal fiction at it's prime; adult, realistic and competent. Garry Kilworth absolutely nails personification here. Unlike a portion of animal related books, these animals are written completely with the attributes you understand them as having in the real world. They barely break any rules, everything is believable. Though that specific set of rules is given "voice", it's given a human filter. Dialogue can be a little jarring at times for this reason because of human social expectations. Announcements of love, death, and otherwise are thrown out almost instantly by main characters. As is the case with real world foxes, who base love and dedication on merits of strategy and selection, yet to a degree that would seem sudden on human terms. It makes for a fascinating narrative, because from a reader's perspective, you see the pain, love and suffering. Yet from your vantage point you want these things screamed out. You want your characters to physically cry out their sorrows, to simply say "I love you" to their companions, and that creates a pint up energy and tension. But that's released through how they show love, standing by each other to the death, nuzzling and caring for them in times of sickness. They stand by such human values as loyalty, tender affection, and dedication to altruistic behavior. By instinct yes, but through the personification you see this ideal life presented. This is a world where humans selectively deprive each other of what they need, or leave others in physical or emotional poverty. While the foxes counteract this in a primal fashion, readers long to have these virtues that come so naturally to them. A major theme here is the basic purity of nature, how separated humans have become from this, and it's always awe inspiring to see that mirror held up through animal fiction.
Speaking of showing and not telling, which happens to be a primary rule of good writing, Kilworth also hits this note perfectly. The narrative is gorgeous, but not because he even tries too hard. There are no flowery opinions written in about the landscape, the change of seasons, and the lives of these creatures. He simply says it how it is and let's the intensity speak for itself. Captivation comes from the beauty of the natural world. Yet this novel does take poetic turns when shifts in POV occur, rather seamlessly in fact. A few spots of the story, especially near the end, incorporate a couple of poetry lines to express bewilderment in POV heavy passages. They aren't overbearing or overly long, instead they maintain an organic feeling to the narrative, grabbing the reading pace and slowing it down in moments of delicacy. Otherwise the narrative had a few too many conversational "that"s and "the"s for my taste, bogging a few sentences down, though I notice a lot of authors taking this route. (I really need to get my nose in some editing books and figure this stuff out)
Thematically the story deals with colliding cultures. While foxes are the central focus here, diverse animal species are brought in representing a variety of worlds. The two main characters are in fact of different upbringings, one representing a Native American mentality, wherein the land is sacred. The other represents the industrial revolution onward, a scavenging way of life and scenery. An odd couple indeed, yet they come to tenderly love each other and learn to adapt. Parallel to their lives, the world itself is learning how to grow and accept change. Suburban life, industry, and nature are starting to learn how to work with each other. The success of their romantic relationship is hardly a contrast, but a testament to the human world they live in. There are also themes of division brought on through individual mentalities of different species, whereas their spiritual needs are in fact oddly similar, which is something the main character muses over. A metaphor for our own respect to life, and to other people, and our sadly natural tendency to create labels and divisive mindsets. Despite the animals having to shift into industrial living, no green themes are present here. (that wasn't so resonate in 1989 of course) As aforementioned, the narration speaks for itself too much to interject opinions. The spirituality and love of the characters, including varying actions of the human counterparts, are given full room to breathe, because the narrator isn't speaking over them, he's letting them develop their selves.
The final quarter of the book shows signs of dragging, yet it suddenly kicks full throttle and goes into stunning territory. Spiritually, rationality, and the sorrow of bitter sweetness in the world is given forefront. The ending is simultaneously gorgeous and devastating all the same.
So, to summarize? I was left feeling, and still feel quite emotionally moved by this book. Granted I'm also a bit cynical about the state of affairs this implies on modern fiction. We live in a time where animal stories are regarded as kids fodder. A publisher recently told David Clement Davies, one of the last animal fiction writers around in the mainstream, "There's no market for animal fiction anymore." Ouch. So not only is there this mentality of child exclusivity, there's an idea it's a dying medium of expression. This book is plainly out of print, it has been for a while. I doubt it has any chances of seeing the light of day again. Why? Well, based on what I've said about the mainstream market, they aren't going to accept an animal fiction book with adult violence, (peppered with) language, gritty themes, and (poetic) mating scenes. This stuff isn't for kids, plain and simple, and the market and parents would be appalled based on modern "expectations". And apparently, from the words of the publishers in charge of feeding the masses, nobody cares about this stuff anymore. To which I say, oh well. I'll stand by it and go down with it. Maybe one day, as the book laments, society will break free of labels and molds, then allow room for unfiltered creativity. One could hope.
November 25, 2008
Watership Down with foxes.
Read
May 21, 2012I was born and raised in the only place in the world where foxes do not live besides Antarctica (Tasmania, Australia), and as such, I find foxes extremely exotic and fascinating. They have been my favourite animal for as long as I can remember.
I cannot rave enough about this book. It's a talking animals book, sure, but for adults. It follows the life of rural vixen O-ha as her home is slowly taken over by a developing town. There's a viscous enemy bent on taking her down and making her life miserable. It's a nice exploration of traditionalism versus contemporary life, the old ways of the country foxes and the old hunts (with horses and hounds) being taken over by humans who wish to preserve foxes when they appear in the town. Just gorgeous. The life of foxes will no longer be a mystery to me.
I cannot rave enough about this book. It's a talking animals book, sure, but for adults. It follows the life of rural vixen O-ha as her home is slowly taken over by a developing town. There's a viscous enemy bent on taking her down and making her life miserable. It's a nice exploration of traditionalism versus contemporary life, the old ways of the country foxes and the old hunts (with horses and hounds) being taken over by humans who wish to preserve foxes when they appear in the town. Just gorgeous. The life of foxes will no longer be a mystery to me.
August 14, 2011
I discovered that this book existed a few years ago, but only recently finally got my hands on it. Having read very positive reviews, and foxes being one, if not the, my favorite animals, I could only hope it was as good as I expected.
It was more than that: it was fantastic, one of the best books I've ever read.
The whole plot, the characters, their actions and emotions, even the mystic background stuff which I tend to dislike, everything was just right and made perfect sense.
When a character is sad, frightened, or happy, you feel it too. And wow, this book is well-written.
Now I've always liked tales about animals, but really anyone, and especially those who think talking animals are childish, should read this.
It was more than that: it was fantastic, one of the best books I've ever read.
The whole plot, the characters, their actions and emotions, even the mystic background stuff which I tend to dislike, everything was just right and made perfect sense.
When a character is sad, frightened, or happy, you feel it too. And wow, this book is well-written.
Now I've always liked tales about animals, but really anyone, and especially those who think talking animals are childish, should read this.
April 16, 2022
This was so whimsical and fun and nostalgic somehow. What an enjoyable book, hopefully I’ll be able to find a physical copy to add to my irl favourites shelf.
October 9, 2025
Cute concept -- a fox version of Watership Down. However, many plot points spiral off into nowhere. What was the point of the whole white fox thing? No point at all! I read the book in the UK back about 2003 or whenever the wars about foxhunting made the abortion controversy a high school hair-pulling in comparison. So I wonder if the good reviews this book received was more because of its views on foxhunting than on the story presented.
Incredibly grim book with a bleak final sentence that I still remember even after reading it years ago. Whenever someone I love is dead or about to die that sentence floats like a grim ghost to the front of my brain.
Incredibly grim book with a bleak final sentence that I still remember even after reading it years ago. Whenever someone I love is dead or about to die that sentence floats like a grim ghost to the front of my brain.
October 3, 2024
"Hunter's Moon" is a tale of rural foxes dealing with urban sprawl and loss of habitat. It is a very typical by the numbers animal book that draws influence from "Watership Down."
My number one complaint- if you are going to write a novel about animal protagonists try to make the animal behave and think like an animal. All of the creatures in this story act like humans. The various religions we see throughout the story is basically catholicism. The myths and lore of the different animal clans had me rolling my eyes in places (dogs pee on trees because the most shamed member of dog kind might be buried under a tree was the most egregious example of that).
I found this book tedious and a bit dull. I did finish reading it even though things were dragging towards the last quarter of the book. I do think people who love animal stories will like this. There just wasn't enough going on in this book to keep me engaged.
My number one complaint- if you are going to write a novel about animal protagonists try to make the animal behave and think like an animal. All of the creatures in this story act like humans. The various religions we see throughout the story is basically catholicism. The myths and lore of the different animal clans had me rolling my eyes in places (dogs pee on trees because the most shamed member of dog kind might be buried under a tree was the most egregious example of that).
I found this book tedious and a bit dull. I did finish reading it even though things were dragging towards the last quarter of the book. I do think people who love animal stories will like this. There just wasn't enough going on in this book to keep me engaged.
February 24, 2010
This is, without a doubt, the best book that I have read in my entire life thus far. It perfectly blends tragedy and triumph, loss and love, and is incredibly colorful and descriptive. The characters are superbly fleshed out and the book manages to emotionally attach the reader to the book. I felt love for the protagonists and intense hatred towards the antagonists on levels previously undreamed of. It contains a rich mythology and the dialogue is fantastic.
This book has made we weep intensely and laugh merrily, feel surges of excitement and squirm in anticipation. Without a doubt, the best book that I have thus far read.
This book has made we weep intensely and laugh merrily, feel surges of excitement and squirm in anticipation. Without a doubt, the best book that I have thus far read.
October 13, 2019
Greatly enjoyed this one. Well-rendered animal story, in the sense that while the characters are anthropomorphized and can speak, they still feel distinctly non-human. I also liked the touch of the different species' animal-languages being represented by non-English real languages, for example, cats speaking French and crows speaking German.
I will note, however, that the Kindle edition has quite a few typos peppered persistently throughout. Among other things, O-ha the fox's name is several times rendered as 0-ha, with a zero instead of an O, and a tom-cat is referred to as a "torn-cat".
I will note, however, that the Kindle edition has quite a few typos peppered persistently throughout. Among other things, O-ha the fox's name is several times rendered as 0-ha, with a zero instead of an O, and a tom-cat is referred to as a "torn-cat".
February 21, 2022
I was dubious about reading this book for two reasons – one, I mostly only read wolf books, and two, the books I’ve previously read by this author were not great. However, I decided to give it a chance since I do like foxes, and it seemed to have some good reviews. I’m glad I did, as it’s a great read! It’s the story of a vixen and a dog-fox, how they meet, and their life together. There are a couple of errors, but it’s much, much better than the wolf books by the same author. I recommend this if you like foxes, or just animal stories.
June 20, 2015
It is all about the Foxes!
December 1, 2023
Lo he amado de principio a fin... La mitología, la forma en la que está escrito, los protagonistas están hechos para amarlos completamente y los antagonistas para ser odiados, no hay punto medio
Algunos personajes secundarios también son muy lindos y aportan bastante a la historia
La mitología que crea Garry alrededor de cada diferente especie es increíble, nunca había leído algo parecido en los libros sobre animales, además de que a cada especie le da un "idioma" diferente para comunicarse
La última parte del libro te tiene en tensión todo el tiempo, y el último capítulo es muy agridulce, es hermoso pero a la vez devastador 😭💖
Lo único que puedo decir es: LÉANLO, y enamorense de Camio y O-ha como lo hice yo 🥺💞
Algunos personajes secundarios también son muy lindos y aportan bastante a la historia
La mitología que crea Garry alrededor de cada diferente especie es increíble, nunca había leído algo parecido en los libros sobre animales, además de que a cada especie le da un "idioma" diferente para comunicarse
La última parte del libro te tiene en tensión todo el tiempo, y el último capítulo es muy agridulce, es hermoso pero a la vez devastador 😭💖
Lo único que puedo decir es: LÉANLO, y enamorense de Camio y O-ha como lo hice yo 🥺💞
June 12, 2024
This book was extremely well written. As someone who loves lore and the secret meaning behind things, the lore of foxes was one I didn't know I needed to be into. Kilworth is excellent at making the mythology of all woodland creatures something to believe in. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters, it was definitely a cozy read with some great thrilling elements.
However, if you are not one who can't handle animal violence or death I would steer clear of this one.
However, if you are not one who can't handle animal violence or death I would steer clear of this one.
February 11, 2025
Again, I am simple, I see an animal book I read it I love it. Thought I was going to think this one was just OK, but I really loved it? Maybe a knockoff Watership Down, but it was a very fun read. This is a book I would have read a dozen times when I was a kid/teen had I known about it.
October 7, 2022
Hunter’s Moon tells the story of a community of foxes as the rural landscape in which they live undergoes steady development, centering on the relationship between a local vixen and a dog fox who escapes from a nearby zoo. In the manner of Watership Down, Kilworth’s foxes have a complex system of myths, rituals and religious beliefs, and similar societal structures are hinted at for other species, whose distinct methods of communicating are represented by other languages. With strong, memorable, well-developed characters, a unique plot full of twists and turns, rich mythological and societal worldbuilding, and a rather poignant thematic through line about adaptation and generational change in attitudes, Hunter’s Moon earns a place in the upper ranks of xenofiction. [8/10]
March 30, 2018
I read this when i was a kid; Twice actually. It was the perfect reason why you should never read Readers Digest abridged versions of books. My Mom had a bunch of hardbacks with four abridged novels in each and the idea intrigued me. After finishing i wanted the real thing. Remember those book clubs on the back of magazines where you could, on your first order, have up to six books for a penny each, then you had to atleast buy six books at full price in your first year; no, am i showing my age. Well, i saw Hunter's Moon on the back of a TV Mag and ordered it. And read it again. I still remember the last haunting line. I remember it being a beautiful story. May have to revisit it sometime.
January 12, 2009
Not sure how to describe this book. It's definetly not a kids book like 'House of Tribes' and I found it a very hard read. In fact I had to force myself to continue reading it, however it's also quite a good story.
Its very depressing but there's something about it which leaves you feeling fairly satisfied by the end, I'm not sure what it was. It's like a Shakespearian tragedy about Foxes.
Hard to recommend, but I wouldn't call it bad.
Its very depressing but there's something about it which leaves you feeling fairly satisfied by the end, I'm not sure what it was. It's like a Shakespearian tragedy about Foxes.
Hard to recommend, but I wouldn't call it bad.
July 31, 2015
I Read this when I was very young and even though the deeper meaning slipped by me, it has always stayed with me. 20+ years later I was lucky to find a second hand copy and read it once again. I still love it, and it moved me even more deeply. Thank you Mr. Kilworth for this wonderful story of foxes. I am so thankful to have a hardcover copy on my bookshelf.
March 11, 2010
The Story is told from the point of view of a fox and follows her life throughout a fox-hunt, development in the area, birth and encouters with humans. I found the descriptions of the foxes mythology and society very interesting, however the dialouge did drag a bit in parts.
October 10, 2015
This book wasn't as good as I remembered the second time around, I first read it as a teenager. Very disappointed.
March 10, 2024
Sotto metterò anche la recensione in inglese (English review below)
Hunter's Moon è uno di quei libri che non si fila nessuno ma che io vorrei disperatamente venissero tradotti in italiano! E' stata anche la mia primissima esperienza con gli audiolibri e ne sono rimasta incantata, soprattutto grazie all'interpretazione fenomenale di Matthew Leiper che è riuscito a riprodurre una quantità di voci impressionante!
Lo stile poetico di Gary Kilworth combina la storia di una coppia di volpi O-ha e Camio, che devono cercare di sopravvivere in un mondo sempre più antropizzato, a un viaggio interiore che porterà la nostra protagonista principale, O-ha, a lasciar andare il dolore del passato per abbracciare il suo presente e la vita con il suo nuovo compagno Camio.
Su di lui in particolare faccio una piccola postilla: la caratterizzazione mi ha ricordato un po' Romeo degli Aristogatti, coi suoi modi di fare scanzonati e l'indole impavida che gli permetterà di scappare dallo zoo in cui è rinchiuso e gabbare i due pastori tedeschi che fanno la guardia.
Ad avermi fatto amare questo libro, tuttavia, sono ste soprattutto due cose:
- L'attenzione ai temi ecologisti e animalisti: si parla apertamente di corridoi naturali e frammentazione degli habitat dovuta al fenomeno di espansione delle città, con tutti i pericoli che seguono per gli animali. Non solo morti accidentali, ma anche storpiature del loro carattere dovute all'eccessiva confidenza con l'uomo.
Es. Camio a un certo punto incontra una volpe O-tasso, che vive rubando burger agli umani ed è ghiotta di mostarda, cosa che le ha provocato dei danni ai denti e una vera e propria dipendenza (da come si atteggia sembra proprio una drogata)
- Il cattivo. Se avete amato il Generale Vulneraria de' La collina dei conigli, Sabre non vi farà dormire la notte. Sabre è un mastino di un ricco possidente, che si vanta di aver ammazzato qualsiasi animale in Africa, persino un uomo nero che cercava di scappare dal suo padrone. Mi piace in generale che i cani siano i cattivi visto che sono una piaga per la fauna selvatica, ma nel corso della storia avremo modo anche di vedere un cane positivo, Betsy, e un vecchio cane da caccia pentito, Breaker.
Menzione d'onore anche per il naturalista che compare in alcuni capitoli, descritto così nelle parole di Betsy: "A lui piace guardare le volpi. Solo guardarle. Guarda un sacco di animali. Penso sia per colpa di un danno al cervello avuto da cucciolo"
Consigliatissimo!
***
Hunter's Moon is one of those books that no one cares about but which I would desperately like to see translated into Italian! It was also my very first experience with audiobooks and I was enchanted by it, especially thanks to the phenomenal interpretation of Matthew Leiper who managed to reproduce an impressive amount of different voices!
Gary Kilworth's poetic style combines the story of a couple of foxes, O-ha and Camio, who must try to survive in an increasingly anthropized world, with an inner journey that will lead our main protagonist, O-ha, to leave go the pain of the past to embrace his present and life with his new partner Camio.
I'll make a small note about him in particular: his characterization reminded me a bit of O'Malley from the Aristocats, with his light-hearted ways and fearless nature that will allow him to escape from the zoo where he is locked up and trick the two German shepherds who patrol the area.
Two things, in particular, made me love this book:
-The focus on ecological and animal rights issues: we openly talk about natural corridors and habitat fragmentation due to the phenomenon of urban sprawl, with all the dangers that concern the animals. Not only accidental deaths, but also distortions of their behaviour due to excessive familiarity with man.
E.g. Camio at a certain point meets a fox, O-tasso, who lives by stealing burgers from humans and is fond of mustard, which damaged her teeth and made her become addicted (from the way she behaves she really seems like a drug addict)
- The villain. If you loved the General Woundwort from "Watership down", Sabre won't let you sleep at night. Sabre is the hound of a rich man who boasts of having killed every animal in Africa, even a black man who was trying to escape from his master. Generally, I liked the fact that dogs are the main antagonist since they are a plague for the wildlife, but as long as the story procedes will will also see a good dog, Betsy, and an old repentant hound, Breaker.
Special mention also for the naturalist that appears in some chapters. This is how Betsy describes him: "He likes to watch foxes. Only watch them. He watches a lot of animals. I think is because of a brain damage occured when he was a cub".
Special Thanks to Casimir Laksi who make me discover this masterpiece!
Hunter's Moon è uno di quei libri che non si fila nessuno ma che io vorrei disperatamente venissero tradotti in italiano! E' stata anche la mia primissima esperienza con gli audiolibri e ne sono rimasta incantata, soprattutto grazie all'interpretazione fenomenale di Matthew Leiper che è riuscito a riprodurre una quantità di voci impressionante!
Lo stile poetico di Gary Kilworth combina la storia di una coppia di volpi O-ha e Camio, che devono cercare di sopravvivere in un mondo sempre più antropizzato, a un viaggio interiore che porterà la nostra protagonista principale, O-ha, a lasciar andare il dolore del passato per abbracciare il suo presente e la vita con il suo nuovo compagno Camio.
Su di lui in particolare faccio una piccola postilla: la caratterizzazione mi ha ricordato un po' Romeo degli Aristogatti, coi suoi modi di fare scanzonati e l'indole impavida che gli permetterà di scappare dallo zoo in cui è rinchiuso e gabbare i due pastori tedeschi che fanno la guardia.
Ad avermi fatto amare questo libro, tuttavia, sono ste soprattutto due cose:
- L'attenzione ai temi ecologisti e animalisti: si parla apertamente di corridoi naturali e frammentazione degli habitat dovuta al fenomeno di espansione delle città, con tutti i pericoli che seguono per gli animali. Non solo morti accidentali, ma anche storpiature del loro carattere dovute all'eccessiva confidenza con l'uomo.
Es. Camio a un certo punto incontra una volpe O-tasso, che vive rubando burger agli umani ed è ghiotta di mostarda, cosa che le ha provocato dei danni ai denti e una vera e propria dipendenza (da come si atteggia sembra proprio una drogata)
- Il cattivo. Se avete amato il Generale Vulneraria de' La collina dei conigli, Sabre non vi farà dormire la notte. Sabre è un mastino di un ricco possidente, che si vanta di aver ammazzato qualsiasi animale in Africa, persino un uomo nero che cercava di scappare dal suo padrone. Mi piace in generale che i cani siano i cattivi visto che sono una piaga per la fauna selvatica, ma nel corso della storia avremo modo anche di vedere un cane positivo, Betsy, e un vecchio cane da caccia pentito, Breaker.
Menzione d'onore anche per il naturalista che compare in alcuni capitoli, descritto così nelle parole di Betsy: "A lui piace guardare le volpi. Solo guardarle. Guarda un sacco di animali. Penso sia per colpa di un danno al cervello avuto da cucciolo"
Consigliatissimo!
***
Hunter's Moon is one of those books that no one cares about but which I would desperately like to see translated into Italian! It was also my very first experience with audiobooks and I was enchanted by it, especially thanks to the phenomenal interpretation of Matthew Leiper who managed to reproduce an impressive amount of different voices!
Gary Kilworth's poetic style combines the story of a couple of foxes, O-ha and Camio, who must try to survive in an increasingly anthropized world, with an inner journey that will lead our main protagonist, O-ha, to leave go the pain of the past to embrace his present and life with his new partner Camio.
I'll make a small note about him in particular: his characterization reminded me a bit of O'Malley from the Aristocats, with his light-hearted ways and fearless nature that will allow him to escape from the zoo where he is locked up and trick the two German shepherds who patrol the area.
Two things, in particular, made me love this book:
-The focus on ecological and animal rights issues: we openly talk about natural corridors and habitat fragmentation due to the phenomenon of urban sprawl, with all the dangers that concern the animals. Not only accidental deaths, but also distortions of their behaviour due to excessive familiarity with man.
E.g. Camio at a certain point meets a fox, O-tasso, who lives by stealing burgers from humans and is fond of mustard, which damaged her teeth and made her become addicted (from the way she behaves she really seems like a drug addict)
- The villain. If you loved the General Woundwort from "Watership down", Sabre won't let you sleep at night. Sabre is the hound of a rich man who boasts of having killed every animal in Africa, even a black man who was trying to escape from his master. Generally, I liked the fact that dogs are the main antagonist since they are a plague for the wildlife, but as long as the story procedes will will also see a good dog, Betsy, and an old repentant hound, Breaker.
Special mention also for the naturalist that appears in some chapters. This is how Betsy describes him: "He likes to watch foxes. Only watch them. He watches a lot of animals. I think is because of a brain damage occured when he was a cub".
Special Thanks to Casimir Laksi who make me discover this masterpiece!
September 5, 2025
A bittersweet tale full of love, loss, and mysticism. Many aspects of the seemingly small world of Trinity Wood are explored, thus making it feel so much bigger. Not just with it's locations, but also with the characters and differing beliefs and lifestyles that change and influence how our main characters, O-ha and Camio perceive and adapt to the world around them. It gets increasingly harder for them to do exactly that with the evolving danger of humans and hounds nearby, but that enables them to stay vigilant, which foxes always are naturally.
Setting
This is one of the best parts of the book. There are mythical tales for just about every creature’s origins to where it feels like a Norse myth (rocks moving, humans emerging from underground to create the sun, foxes fighting other animals before the arrival of humans); it makes everything a lot more realized and lively. Descriptions of Trinity Wood are sanguine and serine in calm weather, but virulent in harsh weather. Different parts of the world, like The Land of the Lions as a substitute for Africa’s wild lands, and The Perfect Here as the afterlife for foxes, are also described in vague, but intricate ways. Various species are given their own origin stories, and I like how we see how that compares to the main fox lore, especially with O-ha and Gar, who have more in common than they think. This ties into her inner journey as the story goes on. With how transcendental A-O, the fox spirit is with shepherding the dead to The Perfect Here, it makes me wonder how a conversation between him-her and Watership Down's El-ahrairah would play out. Despite being gods of predator and prey alike, maybe they'd have an intriguing discussion on their own duties as deities for their respective species. Just a thought.
On the other hand, the lore can feel misplaced, bloated, and scattered every now and then. Parts of it are told in chapters long after events happen that make me wish they were explained earlier, or placed in the same exposition sections so I would not have asked myself, "Wait, who is he? What does this word mean again? Who's this fox spirit," before it is further explained some chapters later. In universe jargon/language became too much to keep up with sometimes, especially with some animals speaking different languages, but it was nothing too egregious that made me tune out altogether. Something I took interest in a lot was .
Characters
O-ha and Camio's stories have similar themes of not being afraid to explore the world's different cultures and environments. Its true they're solitary more than anything, but their old homes aren't safe for them anymore (O-ha with hunters and Camio with the zoo), so they need to make a new path of life with places and people that can help. She’s a traditional recluse while he's is an unconventional free spirit, a strange couple for sure, but their bond develops in genuinely natural ways the more they get to know each other. They really amp up the danger and despair of their journey though; O-ha lost her mate and her cubs with hunters and a dog, which costed her the courage to keep doing so. There's also Camio himself seeing how dangerously foxes live compared to his sheltered zoo life, but he still scavenges whenever and wherever he needs to. It’s nice to see him pick up on a few tricks he learned from others during his time in the city, like ducking under a moving train to ward off enemies. I also like how chivalrous and accommodating Camio is to a depressed and bitter O-ha. In a way, he helped her exit her slump and get a move on with her life.
That said, O-ha was frustrating sometimes with her reluctance to Camio. There's an olive branch to extend for her where it's vital to stay vigilant because you never know who will take advantage of you, like humans, dogs, and even foxes do in this story, but her bitterness got annoying after a while since she acts needlessly mean to him after saving her from Sabre, and when they discuss their mythological beliefs despite clearly being from different countries. I get she’s upset over the loss of A-ho, but she ought to have realized Camio only wants to help her be her best self, the same way Gar did. It's good that she comes to terms with that and snaps out of trying to turn Camio into another A-ho. Even then, her whole arc is about adapting to new situations, not getting too caught up in past sorrows, not always letting your previous experiences and prejudices cloud your judgements, and not projecting your liabilities on others in hopes of recreating something long gone, no matter the circumstances. Sabre's presence shot butterflies in my gut. He's relentlessly violent, domineering, and ruthless in his mission to kill O-ha and her family without compunction. He would not be denied a scarred pride, and I could've swore he really was going to kill her near the end. On that note, Breaker and Betsy are real ones for saving O-ha. Goes to further show not every creature is out to destroy her, especially those in need. I also like howO-Mitz Mitz is on a mirrored journey to O-ha while A-Cam is like Camio with how humans and some other creatures assist them in times of stress. Amiability in others must be a rare component for Trinity Wood's foxes to find, which makes everything all the more interesting when they do find it.
Plot
The plot beats are quite air tight from what I recall, although there were still some issues I had (page numbers are relative to the Kindle edition):
- On page 128, how did O-ha pass by A-konkon before Camio did? Camio was the one who left first, so shouldn't he have been the one to reach Sabre's place first? O-ha was in a rush as well, so shouldn't she have gotten to him first to get him away from the house, that way they wouldn't angered Sabre even more to the point where he's full on seething for vengeance?
- On page 215, how did Sabre get over the fence when he had trouble doing so before?
- On page 270, why would A-sac lunge straight for Sabre's throat, forgetting everything he learned as a fox regarding sneaking around and using cunning tricks to kill Sabre? I get A-O's visions and O-toltol's manipulative tricks are getting to him, but did he couldn't have become that caught up in himself to where he doesn't employ some strategy to take down a dog. He did the same for O-toltol anyway. It raises the question of whether or not white foxes are just doomed to live in perpetual ignorance, and if they can escape such manipulation.
- On page 315, how is Sabre still alive and why didn't Betsy's master take him in when he was attacking O-ha and her family? Does the neighborhood not have protocols about preventing potentially mad dogs from roaming the street? Why wasn't he impounded after that moment? I get the master only observes animals and sets them free instead, but he was attacking O-ha, and by extension, Mitz. Does he not want to interfere with the nature of wildlife taking its course? Maybe I'm over complicating it...
Ultimately, I still had a great time reading Hunter's Moon. The rich setting accompanies the vast, dynamic characters in poetic ways, and still leaves me pondering aspects about it. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in animal xenofiction stories.
Setting
This is one of the best parts of the book. There are mythical tales for just about every creature’s origins to where it feels like a Norse myth (rocks moving, humans emerging from underground to create the sun, foxes fighting other animals before the arrival of humans); it makes everything a lot more realized and lively. Descriptions of Trinity Wood are sanguine and serine in calm weather, but virulent in harsh weather. Different parts of the world, like The Land of the Lions as a substitute for Africa’s wild lands, and The Perfect Here as the afterlife for foxes, are also described in vague, but intricate ways. Various species are given their own origin stories, and I like how we see how that compares to the main fox lore, especially with O-ha and Gar, who have more in common than they think. This ties into her inner journey as the story goes on. With how transcendental A-O, the fox spirit is with shepherding the dead to The Perfect Here, it makes me wonder how a conversation between him-her and Watership Down's El-ahrairah would play out. Despite being gods of predator and prey alike, maybe they'd have an intriguing discussion on their own duties as deities for their respective species. Just a thought.
On the other hand, the lore can feel misplaced, bloated, and scattered every now and then. Parts of it are told in chapters long after events happen that make me wish they were explained earlier, or placed in the same exposition sections so I would not have asked myself, "Wait, who is he? What does this word mean again? Who's this fox spirit," before it is further explained some chapters later. In universe jargon/language became too much to keep up with sometimes, especially with some animals speaking different languages, but it was nothing too egregious that made me tune out altogether. Something I took interest in a lot was .
Characters
O-ha and Camio's stories have similar themes of not being afraid to explore the world's different cultures and environments. Its true they're solitary more than anything, but their old homes aren't safe for them anymore (O-ha with hunters and Camio with the zoo), so they need to make a new path of life with places and people that can help. She’s a traditional recluse while he's is an unconventional free spirit, a strange couple for sure, but their bond develops in genuinely natural ways the more they get to know each other. They really amp up the danger and despair of their journey though; O-ha lost her mate and her cubs with hunters and a dog, which costed her the courage to keep doing so. There's also Camio himself seeing how dangerously foxes live compared to his sheltered zoo life, but he still scavenges whenever and wherever he needs to. It’s nice to see him pick up on a few tricks he learned from others during his time in the city, like ducking under a moving train to ward off enemies. I also like how chivalrous and accommodating Camio is to a depressed and bitter O-ha. In a way, he helped her exit her slump and get a move on with her life.
That said, O-ha was frustrating sometimes with her reluctance to Camio. There's an olive branch to extend for her where it's vital to stay vigilant because you never know who will take advantage of you, like humans, dogs, and even foxes do in this story, but her bitterness got annoying after a while since she acts needlessly mean to him after saving her from Sabre, and when they discuss their mythological beliefs despite clearly being from different countries. I get she’s upset over the loss of A-ho, but she ought to have realized Camio only wants to help her be her best self, the same way Gar did. It's good that she comes to terms with that and snaps out of trying to turn Camio into another A-ho. Even then, her whole arc is about adapting to new situations, not getting too caught up in past sorrows, not always letting your previous experiences and prejudices cloud your judgements, and not projecting your liabilities on others in hopes of recreating something long gone, no matter the circumstances. Sabre's presence shot butterflies in my gut. He's relentlessly violent, domineering, and ruthless in his mission to kill O-ha and her family without compunction. He would not be denied a scarred pride, and I could've swore he really was going to kill her near the end. On that note, Breaker and Betsy are real ones for saving O-ha. Goes to further show not every creature is out to destroy her, especially those in need. I also like how
Plot
The plot beats are quite air tight from what I recall, although there were still some issues I had (page numbers are relative to the Kindle edition):
- On page 128, how did O-ha pass by A-konkon before Camio did? Camio was the one who left first, so shouldn't he have been the one to reach Sabre's place first? O-ha was in a rush as well, so shouldn't she have gotten to him first to get him away from the house, that way they wouldn't angered Sabre even more to the point where he's full on seething for vengeance?
- On page 215, how did Sabre get over the fence when he had trouble doing so before?
- On page 270, why would A-sac lunge straight for Sabre's throat, forgetting everything he learned as a fox regarding sneaking around and using cunning tricks to kill Sabre? I get A-O's visions and O-toltol's manipulative tricks are getting to him, but did he couldn't have become that caught up in himself to where he doesn't employ some strategy to take down a dog. He did the same for O-toltol anyway. It raises the question of whether or not white foxes are just doomed to live in perpetual ignorance, and if they can escape such manipulation.
- On page 315, how is Sabre still alive and why didn't Betsy's master take him in when he was attacking O-ha and her family? Does the neighborhood not have protocols about preventing potentially mad dogs from roaming the street? Why wasn't he impounded after that moment? I get the master only observes animals and sets them free instead, but he was attacking O-ha, and by extension, Mitz. Does he not want to interfere with the nature of wildlife taking its course? Maybe I'm over complicating it...
Ultimately, I still had a great time reading Hunter's Moon. The rich setting accompanies the vast, dynamic characters in poetic ways, and still leaves me pondering aspects about it. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in animal xenofiction stories.
November 4, 2024
This might be one of the best animal centered novels that I have ever read. Hunter’s Moon by Garry Kilworth is a story about foxes, specifically the fox O-ha, and her adventures and struggles trying to survive in Trinity Wood, a forest that is being overtaken by a new town being built by humans.
One of the best things about this book was the way the world of the foxes was presented. They had a very elaborate culture and sets of rituals that were fascinating to read about, and served to develop the world of the novel. The writing served this culture and world very well, describing the beautiful nature of Trinity Wood, and the modern town that soon overtakes it. All of the characters were well-developed and likable. From the traditional and serious O-ha, to the playful and kind Camio, all of the characters seem like real foxes that you could see in the wild.
The story itself was very serious and, at least in my eyes, tragic. It was sad to see the town overtake the forest, even if the humans in this new area like the foxes and aren’t dangers to them. And as a result of the town being built, the cultural change of the animals of Trinity Wood, as they adapt to their new world leaving O-ha behind. And the ending of the book. I was on the verge of tears, I’ll just say that. The story was still excellent, just somber.
Overall Hunter’s Moon is a fantastic novel that I would recommend to animal lovers, and people who just want to read an engaging story. It’s such a shame that this book is out of print and hard to find, because it definitely deserves to be a talked about popular bestseller. But even without the popularity, this is still a hard hitting masterpiece.
One of the best things about this book was the way the world of the foxes was presented. They had a very elaborate culture and sets of rituals that were fascinating to read about, and served to develop the world of the novel. The writing served this culture and world very well, describing the beautiful nature of Trinity Wood, and the modern town that soon overtakes it. All of the characters were well-developed and likable. From the traditional and serious O-ha, to the playful and kind Camio, all of the characters seem like real foxes that you could see in the wild.
The story itself was very serious and, at least in my eyes, tragic. It was sad to see the town overtake the forest, even if the humans in this new area like the foxes and aren’t dangers to them. And as a result of the town being built, the cultural change of the animals of Trinity Wood, as they adapt to their new world leaving O-ha behind. And the ending of the book. I was on the verge of tears, I’ll just say that. The story was still excellent, just somber.
Overall Hunter’s Moon is a fantastic novel that I would recommend to animal lovers, and people who just want to read an engaging story. It’s such a shame that this book is out of print and hard to find, because it definitely deserves to be a talked about popular bestseller. But even without the popularity, this is still a hard hitting masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
One of the most wonderful, hearbreaking books I have ever read.
I have never read a book that so perfectly reflects both the animal and human sides of nature. The animals--well, act very realistically animal. Nothing in this book would feel out of place in a documentary (except that it is a lot more exciting than a documentary could ever be). And yet the author reveals the humanity in the animals with two emotions: love and fear.
Well, love and fear, to some, are very primal, very animal emotions. But I think that in this book, these emotions make the animals more human.
Of course, the animals also communicate and think rationally like humans, but I think that the author still does a really good job of showing the spirit of the animal world: the dangers and joys of the wild, the struggle to retain freedom and survive in a world dominated by humans.
But really, at its core, I don't think this is a story about foxes. It is a story about the nature of the world, which is a cycle of life and death, love and gried. We die, and the world goes on for some. The world changes and changes in ways we will never see, and generations that will never meet live and die. It is just a book about nature, which never changes, and the ways in which nature responds to nature, which also never changes.
I have never read a book that so perfectly reflects both the animal and human sides of nature. The animals--well, act very realistically animal. Nothing in this book would feel out of place in a documentary (except that it is a lot more exciting than a documentary could ever be). And yet the author reveals the humanity in the animals with two emotions: love and fear.
Well, love and fear, to some, are very primal, very animal emotions. But I think that in this book, these emotions make the animals more human.
Of course, the animals also communicate and think rationally like humans, but I think that the author still does a really good job of showing the spirit of the animal world: the dangers and joys of the wild, the struggle to retain freedom and survive in a world dominated by humans.
But really, at its core, I don't think this is a story about foxes. It is a story about the nature of the world, which is a cycle of life and death, love and gried. We die, and the world goes on for some. The world changes and changes in ways we will never see, and generations that will never meet live and die. It is just a book about nature, which never changes, and the ways in which nature responds to nature, which also never changes.
March 13, 2023
A surprisingly moving, epic saga of urban and rural foxes that invites the reader to see things from a fox's point of view. Kilworth blends nature writing and research on foxes with some (doubtless necessary) anthropomorphism to create a wise and tender all-ages story.
In a few places, the brute gore of nature might be deemed unsuitable for younger children. But the rest is engrossing for readers of almost any age - Kilworth creates a world both familiar and strange, complete with everything from fox hunting and urban development through to folklore and mysticism.
I found it very comforting. I have always found foxes to be mysterious creatures. I only encounter urban foxes occasionally now, but growing up, my garden backed onto woodland and I was once lucky enough to see cubs being raised from my back upstairs windows. Here, despite their constant struggles for survival and epic conflicts with some angry dogs, foxes are held up as a mirror of human possibilities - philosophical, mystical, spiritual, and yet somehow also very natural. Highly recommended.
In a few places, the brute gore of nature might be deemed unsuitable for younger children. But the rest is engrossing for readers of almost any age - Kilworth creates a world both familiar and strange, complete with everything from fox hunting and urban development through to folklore and mysticism.
I found it very comforting. I have always found foxes to be mysterious creatures. I only encounter urban foxes occasionally now, but growing up, my garden backed onto woodland and I was once lucky enough to see cubs being raised from my back upstairs windows. Here, despite their constant struggles for survival and epic conflicts with some angry dogs, foxes are held up as a mirror of human possibilities - philosophical, mystical, spiritual, and yet somehow also very natural. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2023
A great book in the xenofiction genre written from the perspective of foxes and their triumphs and failures against humans, disease, each other, and nature.
Not as epic as other books in this genre but still entertaining.
Similar to Watership Down or The Animals of Farthing Woods.
A great read for any animal lover.
Not as epic as other books in this genre but still entertaining.
Similar to Watership Down or The Animals of Farthing Woods.
A great read for any animal lover.
October 12, 2025
Aww wat zonde. Heb dit boek al jaren, dacht eindelijk er eens lekker voor te kunnen gaan zitten. Ik hou heel erg van dit soort boeken, maar ik kon er maar niet in komen. Zo saai verteld, expositie na expositie, en heel weinig actie. De "religie" van de vossen kon me niet bekoren. Doe mij maar Staartjagers Zang van Tad Williams of, nog beter, De Wilde Wegen/De Gouden Kat van Gabriel King <3
August 21, 2021
A beautiful look at the charismatic and multifaceted life of the humble fox. Steeped in tradition and mythology, the foxes that populate Kilworth's earnest and inviting world are more memorable than most humans fleshed out in word.
I loved this book.
I loved this book.
October 16, 2021
Животът е достатъчно гаден, че да четеш и в книга за убити лисичета. Казват, че след първата трета от книгата сюжетът се успокоявал, но на мен вече ми стига. Приказността на Адамс, съчетана с жестокостта на Акиф Пиринчи се оказа неочаквано лоша комбинация.
September 18, 2017
I read a lot of these 'talking animal books' and this one is a must read for people who like these types of books, great story and characters.
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