The Skunks

by Fiona Warnick

Reminiscent of Elif Batuman and Sally Rooney, Fiona Warnick’s precise and tender prose captures the formative moments of a young woman’s life, from the slow burn of a new crush to the swish of a skunk’s tail.

Dear Skunks, I wrote. Then I got stuck. What was there to say about the skunks? Of course there was the smell—the spraying. Everyone’s mind jumped to the spraying. I often forgot about the spraying entirely, which was nice because it made me feel that I wasn’t like other people.

From the outside, Isabel doesn’t seem to have much going on. It’s the summer after college graduation and she’s moved back to her hometown, where she spends her days house-sitting, babysitting, working the front desk at a yoga studio, and hanging out with her childhood friend Ellie. But on the inside, Isabel’s mind is always running, always analyzing, and right now, she’s trying hard to not let her thoughts give weight to boys. So when Isabel spots three baby skunks in the yard, their presence is not only a strangely thrilling break from the expected, it feels like a fortuitous sign from the universe. Skunks. That’s what she should be thinking about.

As the summer unfolds, Isabel becomes increasingly preoccupied with the skunks, while also navigating her various jobs and an ambiguous relationship with Eli, the son of the couple she’s house-sitting for. In her own life and in the imagined inner lives of the skunks, Isabel ponders the nature of existence, love vs. infatuation, and the many small moments that make us animal, make us human. The Skunks is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about the complexities of crushes, desire, friendship, and modern life.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Coming Of Age, Summer, Young Adult, Literary Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Fiona W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my own book and I’m giving it 5 extremely biased and subjective stars for my own gosh darn lifeblood, underboob sweat, and crocodile tears

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading THE SKUNKS felt like giving my brain a bath. i felt clean. it was gentle, soothing, sweet, & oh so fresh. in THE SKUNKS, there’s really no plot, but many many quiet, tender, and reflective vibes- and i just really loved it.

isabel is back home after just graduating college. she is spending her time house sitting, baby sitting, working at a yoga studio, and hanging out with her best friend ellie. one day, isabel sees a trio of skunks in the neighborhood, & now she can’t stop thinking about them.

THE SKUNKS is a very charming novel. while feeling like a very private observation of the natural world, it illuminates the thin line between youth and adulthood as isabel navigates one of the many in-betweens of life.

[Jan Agaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

nature doc but make it existential lit fic

[Sarah Melaragno · Rating 5 out of 5]

i finished the skunks last night and it just completely changed my life and my brain and will be nesting in my heart forever and ever. i still dont have all the words there are to say about this one, i just know it's a book i'll always want to have under my arm to share in the world with me as i see it. it was nice to be reminded that there are still innocent discoveries to be made and so much new life ahead as you grow older. this read felt like being spoken to and understood by an old friend and i haven't felt that type of closeness on the page in a long while. the next time i see a skunk i know i'll cry, and thats a beautiful thing!

thank you so much to tin house books for the arc!

[Ellie Salyers · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I wrote out what I considered to be a pretty epic review and just as I was ready to push “done” it all deleted on me. So here’s my begrudging attempt to rewrite it…

TLDR: This book is clearly written by a recent graduate of Oberlin who had their bisexual awakening amongst the turquoise haired permaculture-enthused quirky art gays (nothing against oberlin, I dated someone who went there, but really let’s be real there is a very specific vibe)

Ok now to get into the specifics. Let’s start with what I liked: I am truly not aware of any other novel that depicts the western mass-ified young gay population comprised of people obsessed with nature and gay sex and literature quite like this one. Target audience reached. Secondly, as a recent college graduate myself I felt incredibly seen in the confusion of the directionless boundary between childhood and adulthood. Honestly, I liked that there wasn’t much of a plot! That is what the summer post-grad feels like: a plotless mush of reflections on relationships, age, things that excite you, and society at large. Bonus points for the hyper-specific and all too real depiction of what it means to be a babysitter simultaneously frustrated by and magnetically entranced by children. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I really am the target audience of this book and I, too, fit into almost every single stereotype previously mentioned (so please don’t take offense).

Let’s get into my critical commentary. First and foremost, I would just like to point out that I found parts of this book too cringey for my liking. I am all for representation in literature and believe in it wholeheartedly. However, the moments I found cringey were when there was oberlin-ified language plopped in randomly just for the sake of it. It completely took me out of the story. Once again, I love that there were so many queer characters, but at the same time I just didn’t love all of the buzz words. I am a lesbian so pls don’t cancel me. Secondly, the whole skunk plot line was inserted in a rather clunky manner. I LOVE nature and animal metaphor, but not when it is overly explained. The skunk sub-plot completely took me out of the “human” plot and, while I understand the metaphor and commentary of it, I could’ve used 75% less skunk description. This leads me to my next point: the imagery and metaphor were just too much for me. This is when I think it shows the author’s age. Instead of the tasteful and sly insertion of literary devices, there were overdone and clunky bits of imagery and metaphor sprinkled throughout. I appreciate when literary devices almost go unnoticed (therefore successfully bolstering the story without taking me out of the action) rather than making me literally think to myself “oop! Imagery! Metaphor! Symbolism!” But, seriously, look who’s taking. I have certainly written my fair share of poems and short stories that consist of truly nothing BUT imagery and metaphor.

Okay wow. If you think I’m just a horribly rude and bitchy person after reading this, I can assure you I am not but I understand why you think that. It was a timely light read and I could NEVER be able to write a novel like this, so I commend this young author. Honestly most of my critique is just about things that I am sure will improve with age and experience. Ok bye.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strawberry rhubarb bar of a book that I would like to consume each and every summer

[Emily Pratt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like sitting next to a coworker that you’re just really indifferent about. You aren’t work besties, but you also don’t hate each other. Sometimes they might say something really smart or really funny and you’re like “oh wow, huh.” But that’s it. You still don’t really connect with them or think about them at all when you’re not at work, and easily forget they even exist. This book had SOME lines where I said “ooo okay”. But I will just as easily forget it exists. Case in point: writing this review 22 days after finishing it.

[Charlsie Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book confused me. There were moments I felt right there with the characters — the boy crazy feeling while waiting to text or hear from a crush, the nostalgia of coming “home” while trying to understand what home means, etc. However, I struggled with the skunks & felt they didn’t quite work with the alternating POVs. Their parts were a bit jarring & didn’t translate well with what I read to be happening. I’m certain there was deeper meaning than I was picking up, but it wasn’t as clear as it perhaps could have been. That said there are some lovely bits of character development & lyrical language scattered throughout this unique book.

Thanks to NetGalley & W.W. Norton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sophie Foulkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok INCREDIBLE Im so obsessed (and so homesick)!!!! made me laugh out loud multiple times. My favorite parts were the scenes with Cecelia- she was so sweet and so REAL I feel like I've never read an adult book where a child is written with so much care. What I wouldn't do for a little doughnut hole from Henion Bakery... :,)

[Lucy Hodgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am so grateful that this book came into my life in my last week of college — and i would be even if fiona was not my friend! she is a genius. the skunks is perfect

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

girl back home in her small western mass town the summer after college…need I say more?

“It was relaxing to be in a place where people had already made up their minds about you. Your current actions had little bearing on your image.”

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea what I just read?! This book just felt like a bunch of random thoughts combined into a book… I liked the parts about Isabel and her interactions with Eli, Ellie, and the girl she babysat, but everything else felt like just randomness.

[Rose Jeanou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona Warnick is Sheila Heti for closet lesbians whose Sally Rooney is Ali Smith

[Ella F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!!!! Warnick captures western Massachusetts and early adulting so intricately and movingly— I felt nostalgia for my current life while reading, making me appreciate everything that much more:)

[Donna Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a qaurter-life crisis could be so engaging and delightful? Who knew Skunks were so charming and thoughtful? This book passed like a dream, and over before I knew it.

[Sarah Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filing under: not for everyone, very much for me.

[Dannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 rounded up!

thank you netgalley for this arc!

this book was wildly interesting. following Isabel as she goes through a period of life figuring out the meaning of love, loss, and the future.

i really enjoy each part of this book separately. the POV of the skunk, the parts with Ellie, Eli, Brynn and Cecilia, the discussion of family, the thoughts of life. but all together the book felt almost disconnected from itself.

The skunk POV was by far my favorite, i loved thinking about life through the eyes of a skunk.

the prose was also really gorgeous, i look forward to reading more by this author

[alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

half nature documentary, half story about a college grad flailing through life

i picked up this book at a local independent bookstore that is unfortunately being sold, so that automatically places sentimental value on the book. i bought it simply because of the cover and title. which works out for me a lot!

this book was such an easy, lighthearted read. isabel is a great main character who comes across as incredibly relatable and realistic. hell, this book made *me* want to befriend some local skunks. not sure that would end well for me though

tl;dr: good book if you like nature documentaries and lost girl litfic

[Brinna Dessert · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH, fantastic. Made me laugh, made me cry. Black Sheep *IS* the best coffee in town <3

[The Bibliophile Doctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It's terrifying that the world is looking at you closer than you are looking at yourself . "

The skunks by Fiona Warnick is a coming of age story of Isabel who after completing College has moved back to her hometown. She takes up all sorts of jobs ans ends up watching a house for a couple who's kid she was in school with. She even had a crush on & had a brief affair with him.

While her life goes on, she notices a family of skunks outside the place and starts keeping an eye on them. The intermingled story of skunks with the main story was a kind of weird to be honest and I couldn't really make any connection but maybe that's my fault.

Even though it is pleasant, the skunks wouldn't stay long in my mind as something extraordinary. You won't remember characters coz they are easily forgettable and nothing outstanding about story either.

The audiobook narration by Mara Wilson ( if you remember the form from Matilda she is the same, and I like her narration) is pleasant to listen to. But even then it faded as soon as I finished the book.

Audiobook - 3.5 stars
Book - 2.5 stars

Thank you dreamscape media and Netgalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that will sit with me for a long time in the best way. Thank you Tin House for the ARC! Anyone who has gone to college, and then had a summer of trying to figure things out, will likely relate to the setting of the book and the thoughts and feelings that the main character Isabel experiences.

Isabel moves back home after college, fueling the flame for an old crush, who she hooked up with in high school but never forgot about. She spends the summer housesitting, babysitting and working at a yoga studio while she tries to find meaning by reflecting on her situation, her friends, relationships and of course — skunks. There is also a clever story told from the skunks’ point of view softly woven throughout the book as a bonus treat.

The book is coated in nostalgia. Reading Warnick’s short punchy sentences feels like eating the most satisfying piece of candy over and over. Anyone who enjoys good literature and wants to get lost in a world that exists in the liminal space between daydream and reality, would like this book.

I loved the characters, the plot development, and the way the end of the story just kind of drifts away. There is closure, but I also still feel like the world of the characters is continuing on; just without me. With this sparkly debut, I’ve found a new favorite author and can’t wait to read more from her in the future!

[leila · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sort of book that gives you exactly what you ask of it without muss or fuss. The introspective aspects, as well as the grammatical choices, were reminiscent of Sally Rooney, while the rotation between the primary narrative and the nature-centric vignettes created parallels reminiscent of Virginia Woolf's "The Waves". I don't believe this book will stick with me long after its completion, but it was a peaceful and contemplative portal while it lasted.

[Asia J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Luuqq · Rating 3 out of 5]

I, too, have a fascination with random entities throughout my life until that anticlimatic, close encounter with them…. lessons learned ! skunks perceived !

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a person who “moved back home after college” I found this book deeply relatable lol. I also thought the parts about the skunks were so tender and I teared up a couple times; also love when a book is able to surprise me!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been thinking about what it means to be sweet. Sweetness not as kindness, but the quality of being easily endeared— of reaching a feeling of depth with the ease of time. The Skunks by Fiona Warnwick gets the thoughtfulness of something sweet. That observation is love too. She knows that imagining how your friend will look with gray hair at lunch is its own heart skip of recognizing the how lovely it is to know someone. The haven of hanging out with your dad and knowing that it’s only about picking blackberries or digging up potatoes. How relationships orbit you like seasons and you notice sliced leaves and details anew as they spin. The sincerity of watching skunks from the porch is the only true feeling of reality in how liminal life feels. I’m trying to figure out how to situate how I feel about my own sense of sentimentality and The Skunks felt like a learned practice.

[Gayle Slagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Skunks by Fiona Warnick. It is not your usual book with a neat plot and well-developed predictable characters and a sweet ending all tied up in pretty ribbons; so if that is what you want, you might not be a fan. However, if you are looking for a book that is outside the box (sometimes way outside the box) , one that dazzles with its simple complexity, with a narrator who takes you inside her mind and her heart while at the same time taking you into the mind and heart of a skunk (of all things), you will probably find yourself spellbound by this little gem of a first novel by a writer who doesn't follow all the rules, but, damn, who cares if it speaks to you and this one did to me, sometimes in a whisper and sometimes in a shout.

[willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was made for me and i feel like there was magic afoot when i saw it in the bookstore because reading this at this point in my life felt like fate..........

idk if there is anything that hits as hard as a coming-of-age book with a post grad protag and skunks ?!

so good. i finished in one night

[Emily TarBush · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so fun & i audibly gasped at least four times

[Skye:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

New fixation unlocked 🦨⭐️💓🕯️🌀