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Enlightenment Adventures #1
Persimmon Takes On Humanity
What would you do if you saw someone committing unimaginable acts of cruelty? Turn the other way or defend those in need--no matter the cost? That's the dilemma thrust upon Persimmon, a clever and compassionate raccoon, and her loyal forest friends. Instantly, the courageous critters spring into action, risking their own lives to rescue any animal they see suffering at the hands of humans. What the team doesn't know is just how rampant this violence really is, and soon their exciting rescue missions turn shockingly dangerous and deadly. Will they succeed in saving the animals of the world from humans' brutality, or will they fall victim to the powerful system of abuse they're trying so desperately to end?Persimmon Takes On Humanity is the thrilling first book in the animal rights-themed young adult series, The Enlightenment Adventures, and for anyone who loved the intensity of The Hunger Games, the social commentary of The Jungle, and the heart of Charlotte's Web, this will be your new favorite book.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
9 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Locke
2 books104 followersChristopher Locke is a raconteur, iconoclast, sit-down comedian and avid animal advocate. He enjoyed a fruitful career in the television industry for more than a decade before pursuing his passion project, "Persimmon Takes On Humanity" (which is the first book in "The Enlightenment Adventures"). He also adores spending time with his two delightful dogs, Tin Tin and Tamarind, and a mischievous cat, Cupcake.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 14, 2015
Persimmon is a raccoon on a mission. Entirely by accident, her mostly peaceful life in the forest has been jarred by her realization that many of her animal brethren don't have it so well--and the source of their suffering seems to be overwhelmingly, those intimidating two-legged critters called humans.
Locke manages to tell an exciting story that rarely stalls--and when it does, it's normally because a character has tried to shoehorn a lesson into the dialogue. As an animal advocate myself, I understand the fine line that comes with desperately wanting to educate your readers and creating believable conversation. It's true, the things that come out of characters' mouths occasionally sound like something from a blog posting, but Locke handles the balance with more deft than some other social issue-oriented fiction writers I've encountered.
Maturity levels among young readers vary, but for the most part, I wouldn't recommend this YA novel to those below the high school level. Yes, it is violent, and often this violence is graphic--there's no getting around that. This blinders-off writing style will be informative and empowering to some, and will completely turn off others.
That said, there aren't a lot of animal advocacy novels for readers of any age group out there (yet), but this is one of the most thrilling.
Locke manages to tell an exciting story that rarely stalls--and when it does, it's normally because a character has tried to shoehorn a lesson into the dialogue. As an animal advocate myself, I understand the fine line that comes with desperately wanting to educate your readers and creating believable conversation. It's true, the things that come out of characters' mouths occasionally sound like something from a blog posting, but Locke handles the balance with more deft than some other social issue-oriented fiction writers I've encountered.
Maturity levels among young readers vary, but for the most part, I wouldn't recommend this YA novel to those below the high school level. Yes, it is violent, and often this violence is graphic--there's no getting around that. This blinders-off writing style will be informative and empowering to some, and will completely turn off others.
That said, there aren't a lot of animal advocacy novels for readers of any age group out there (yet), but this is one of the most thrilling.
August 2, 2017
I loved/hated this book. Locke is a great storyteller and his passion clearly comes through but it was admittedly difficult to finish. While I loved the characters, and the book was well written, the sheer quantity of them meeting a gruesome end was what made me sometimes put the book down and almost dread continuing. Despite being a work of fiction this is unfortunately based on very real tragedies, and it is for that I hated it. But it is also for that, that everyone should read it. There is no exaggeration to the horrible acts that we do, and if you're not already angry at our species, this book will lay it out for you as to why you should be, but wrapped in a creative story with lovable and relatable characters.
October 1, 2018
The cover alone grabbed me, and then I started reading. What followed was an inventive adventure I would gladly place on my classroom shelf — inspired humor and wit for old and young alike.
January 6, 2019
This is the book I've been waiting for.
"Because no animal is truly free until every animal is completely free."
Five outstanding, tragic stars to Persimmon Takes On Humanity. This book will make you take your nonhuman friends into your arms and weep profusely in shame of being human.
As I felt Nayana the elephant's grief, Vincent the mink's rage, and Gilby the calf's terror, I knew that closing the book could not relieve me of these emotions, because their stories are all too real. Persimmon Takes on Humanity is a work of fiction rooted in the most devastating truth--human supremacy.
This novel is incredibly intricate in its exploration of the obstacles of animal rescue, the debates of tactics, and the complexity of nonhuman minds. It is an astounding presence in the up-and-coming genre of animal rights fiction--a force to be reckoned with.
"Because no animal is truly free until every animal is completely free."
Five outstanding, tragic stars to Persimmon Takes On Humanity. This book will make you take your nonhuman friends into your arms and weep profusely in shame of being human.
As I felt Nayana the elephant's grief, Vincent the mink's rage, and Gilby the calf's terror, I knew that closing the book could not relieve me of these emotions, because their stories are all too real. Persimmon Takes on Humanity is a work of fiction rooted in the most devastating truth--human supremacy.
This novel is incredibly intricate in its exploration of the obstacles of animal rescue, the debates of tactics, and the complexity of nonhuman minds. It is an astounding presence in the up-and-coming genre of animal rights fiction--a force to be reckoned with.
August 9, 2015
I read this 471 page book in less than 2 days. It is one of the most compelling stories I have read in some time. You will fall in love with the characters and sob through the heartbreaking events that unfold in this adventure story. I can not wait for the second installment! Read this book!
August 7, 2019
When we selected this book for our animal rights reading group, I thought this was a graphic novel (apparently I hadn't researched it!) So imagine my surprise when it came in the mail and I realized it is 471 pages! I tucked right in and from there I loved it, found it tedious, difficult, amazing, and wordy.
This novel exposes animal exploitation through the adventures of a merry band of animal rescuers - literally; the rescuers are non-human animals. Through their eyes, through their dialogue, we experience the pain of calves being raised for slaughter, minks stuffed into a fur farm, animals caged and exploited for the circus. These parts of the book are difficult but well-executed; the rescues of animals from the fur farm and the circus are fast-paced page-turning chapters and even though I have been working for animal rights myself for the last 25 years, I was still horrified and upset and sad to read these sections.
So let me back up a little bit, because there is a lot here. The book is laid out with an introduction to Persimmon, her brother Scraps and friend Derpoke (an opossum). Which reminds me -- the names in this book are fantastic! It seems like Locke has gone to great lengths to find just the right name for each character, from the abusive humans to each individual animal, both rescuer and each victim who has a speaking part, and those names fit like a glove for each and every one.
As Persimmon and her band uncover the brutalities that humans heap onto animals, they also uncover the terrible truth that this kind of exploitation never seems to stop, and as soon as some animals are saved, there are still others in other situations who need saving. As a human activist, this felt so relatable.
Each time Persimmon and her group encounter a new kind of exploitation, we get a bit of backstory from at least one character and how they ended up there. I think these are the strongest parts of the book, for here we get to meet someone, get into their lives, feel their pain and their love and heartbreak. Locke takes time with these scenes; each animal has a backstory and a history. This is something I feel is missing with the main characters. Although we can tell that Derpoke has a thing for Persimmon which is unrequited because she's so focused on her mission, we don't learn that much about any of this characters. Only by the end do we discover something about her relationship with her brother that adds some depth; for the most part, I feel like Persimmon is kind of a mouthpiece for animal rights and a means of getting the reader into the lives of certain other animals. I actually don't care for Persimmon that much as a character. I find her irritating and controlling, with no background to make me understand or appreciate her take-charge manner. Perhaps if we had started with an understanding of her own history, this book would have been more intense and Persimmon would feel a bit less like a little dictator than she does.
There are a few problems I find with this book, besides the character of Persimmon: it is long, and some of that length is definitely necessary, but at times I feel like we're reading an animal rights website or pamphlet. I'm not really sure what other adjectives could be used, but after 25 years of reading petitions and information, the words cruel and torture and horrible have come to lose some of their impact on me. I see these words constantly, and while they are most definitely apt, and even appropriate for a petition or something, I feel some other kinds of adjectives could have been found for this novel. Especially as these words are used in exposition, they are overused in dialogue. And I also think that some of the exposition and dialogue could have been cut down; too often I read some dialogue in this book that is then repeated as exposition; or perhaps we get see, through Persimmon's eyes, what is happening to elephants; later, we are told what is happening when we have already seen it. Or Persimmon sees something and then explains it to her group. It would be simple enough to write "Persimmon explained what she saw." There is a bit of redundancy within the dialogue as the group tries to figure out what to do next, whether they should continue to endanger their lives to rescue other animals. The animals' arguments repeat and repeat what has already been said. And that brings me to perhaps my biggest irritation: the overuse of the word team. As I work in an office environment, I can't really think of this word without thinking of its stupidity and annoyance, as in "we'll call you a team to make believe you're all on the same side as our corporate owners." Pfft. Yeah. I don't think of it anymore like a baseball team or something, so the word has become very obnoxious to me, and in this book it used until it's worn out. This also is part of what makes me dislike Persimmon a bit more than I might otherwise, too; she seems like an office "team leader" (I could gag just using that phrase). She uses it, the narrator uses it, everyone uses that awful term! Call them a "band" or something, just please don't use that word! ugh. As I said, perhaps if we had more information about Persimmon herself I wouldn't feel as irritated as I do with her. The supporting characters are all well-drawn, however, particularly the rescued ones. Would I recommend this book? I'm a little on the fence because of its size and the repetition; on the other hand, I also was very moved by aspects of it and I think those parts - the stories of the minks and the circus animals, and of their rescues and escapes are very, very strong and compelling. And oh yes! How I loved the revenge meted out to humans. That was quite satisfying. So yes, I do think I would recommend this one.
This novel exposes animal exploitation through the adventures of a merry band of animal rescuers - literally; the rescuers are non-human animals. Through their eyes, through their dialogue, we experience the pain of calves being raised for slaughter, minks stuffed into a fur farm, animals caged and exploited for the circus. These parts of the book are difficult but well-executed; the rescues of animals from the fur farm and the circus are fast-paced page-turning chapters and even though I have been working for animal rights myself for the last 25 years, I was still horrified and upset and sad to read these sections.
So let me back up a little bit, because there is a lot here. The book is laid out with an introduction to Persimmon, her brother Scraps and friend Derpoke (an opossum). Which reminds me -- the names in this book are fantastic! It seems like Locke has gone to great lengths to find just the right name for each character, from the abusive humans to each individual animal, both rescuer and each victim who has a speaking part, and those names fit like a glove for each and every one.
As Persimmon and her band uncover the brutalities that humans heap onto animals, they also uncover the terrible truth that this kind of exploitation never seems to stop, and as soon as some animals are saved, there are still others in other situations who need saving. As a human activist, this felt so relatable.
Each time Persimmon and her group encounter a new kind of exploitation, we get a bit of backstory from at least one character and how they ended up there. I think these are the strongest parts of the book, for here we get to meet someone, get into their lives, feel their pain and their love and heartbreak. Locke takes time with these scenes; each animal has a backstory and a history. This is something I feel is missing with the main characters. Although we can tell that Derpoke has a thing for Persimmon which is unrequited because she's so focused on her mission, we don't learn that much about any of this characters. Only by the end do we discover something about her relationship with her brother that adds some depth; for the most part, I feel like Persimmon is kind of a mouthpiece for animal rights and a means of getting the reader into the lives of certain other animals. I actually don't care for Persimmon that much as a character. I find her irritating and controlling, with no background to make me understand or appreciate her take-charge manner. Perhaps if we had started with an understanding of her own history, this book would have been more intense and Persimmon would feel a bit less like a little dictator than she does.
There are a few problems I find with this book, besides the character of Persimmon: it is long, and some of that length is definitely necessary, but at times I feel like we're reading an animal rights website or pamphlet. I'm not really sure what other adjectives could be used, but after 25 years of reading petitions and information, the words cruel and torture and horrible have come to lose some of their impact on me. I see these words constantly, and while they are most definitely apt, and even appropriate for a petition or something, I feel some other kinds of adjectives could have been found for this novel. Especially as these words are used in exposition, they are overused in dialogue. And I also think that some of the exposition and dialogue could have been cut down; too often I read some dialogue in this book that is then repeated as exposition; or perhaps we get see, through Persimmon's eyes, what is happening to elephants; later, we are told what is happening when we have already seen it. Or Persimmon sees something and then explains it to her group. It would be simple enough to write "Persimmon explained what she saw." There is a bit of redundancy within the dialogue as the group tries to figure out what to do next, whether they should continue to endanger their lives to rescue other animals. The animals' arguments repeat and repeat what has already been said. And that brings me to perhaps my biggest irritation: the overuse of the word team. As I work in an office environment, I can't really think of this word without thinking of its stupidity and annoyance, as in "we'll call you a team to make believe you're all on the same side as our corporate owners." Pfft. Yeah. I don't think of it anymore like a baseball team or something, so the word has become very obnoxious to me, and in this book it used until it's worn out. This also is part of what makes me dislike Persimmon a bit more than I might otherwise, too; she seems like an office "team leader" (I could gag just using that phrase). She uses it, the narrator uses it, everyone uses that awful term! Call them a "band" or something, just please don't use that word! ugh. As I said, perhaps if we had more information about Persimmon herself I wouldn't feel as irritated as I do with her. The supporting characters are all well-drawn, however, particularly the rescued ones. Would I recommend this book? I'm a little on the fence because of its size and the repetition; on the other hand, I also was very moved by aspects of it and I think those parts - the stories of the minks and the circus animals, and of their rescues and escapes are very, very strong and compelling. And oh yes! How I loved the revenge meted out to humans. That was quite satisfying. So yes, I do think I would recommend this one.
January 15, 2020
Let me start by saying this book is so important. I love the concept and it puts a spotlight on areas of animal cruelty you may not have encountered before. However I do think that the blurb of this book grossly misleads the reader, as I was expecting a light-hearted, entertaining romp of animals giving humans the finger by saving fellow animals. What you actually get is a harrowing, heartbreaking, hopeless novel that introduces you to characters you so deeply love and then kills them off in the most brutal way.
The graphic descriptions of the torture and abuse of animals is hard to read, and whilst I acknowledge we should not close our eyes because it hurts to see (much like Persimmon herself says), I do wonder if this could have been handled more delicately. Particularly given this is a YA novel and a woman in her 20s found it hard to stomach.
I also feel that this could have been more polished at editing stage, much of the writing and dialogue feels quite clunky and Persimmon's constant earnest pep talks to the group become repetitive and preachy after a while - it perhaps didn't need 471 pages to make its point.. All in all, I would recommend you give it a go, but if you're sensitive to graphic descriptions of animal abuse and torture, read with caution.
The graphic descriptions of the torture and abuse of animals is hard to read, and whilst I acknowledge we should not close our eyes because it hurts to see (much like Persimmon herself says), I do wonder if this could have been handled more delicately. Particularly given this is a YA novel and a woman in her 20s found it hard to stomach.
I also feel that this could have been more polished at editing stage, much of the writing and dialogue feels quite clunky and Persimmon's constant earnest pep talks to the group become repetitive and preachy after a while - it perhaps didn't need 471 pages to make its point.. All in all, I would recommend you give it a go, but if you're sensitive to graphic descriptions of animal abuse and torture, read with caution.
July 3, 2018
A gripping, heart-wrenching fantasy (yet grounded in some very detailed and brutal realities) in which Persimmon and crew try to right some of the many wrongs inflicted on other creatures by humans. I found the characters compelling, the details regarding various plights animals find themselves in accurate, and sadly accurate. I kept cheering for Persimmon and the gang and stayed up later than I should have reading this. There is now a sequel which I can't wait to read. Compelling, disturbing, important reading.
November 9, 2019
I absolutely love this book! It was recommended to me by a friend and I flew through it in one night. As a fictional series of stories, told from the POV of nonhuman animals, the Enlightenment Adventures are wonderful books with strong characters who teach us that humans, if we don't already, must start thinking about how we treat others who are not like us.
January 25, 2016
Adorable, and horrible — a fantastic addition to a growing body of modern vegan fiction. A well-written adventure about a gang of forest animals led by a compassionate raccoon, the heroine Persimmon, who learn that other animals are suffering and decide to help rescue them. Persimmon's crew (with varying success) tackles the plight of calves being turned into veal, minks trapped and tortured on a fur farm, and elephants chained, beaten and made to perform in a circus.
The book perfectly captures humanity's complex and confused relationship with animals — we find them adorable and fascinating and they fill us with joy. At the same time, we treat them in horrific ways and turn a blind eye to their suffering and abuse.
The enjoyable characters and story give the reader access to some brutal truths — it's so cute you can't turn away.
Pairs well with:
The Awareness by Gene Stone
The Adventures of Vivian Sharpe, Vegan Superhero by Marla Rose
Vegan Teenage Zombie Huntress by G.G. Silverman
Animals by Don LePan
We Animals photography by Jo-Anne McArthur
The book perfectly captures humanity's complex and confused relationship with animals — we find them adorable and fascinating and they fill us with joy. At the same time, we treat them in horrific ways and turn a blind eye to their suffering and abuse.
The enjoyable characters and story give the reader access to some brutal truths — it's so cute you can't turn away.
Pairs well with:
The Awareness by Gene Stone
The Adventures of Vivian Sharpe, Vegan Superhero by Marla Rose
Vegan Teenage Zombie Huntress by G.G. Silverman
Animals by Don LePan
We Animals photography by Jo-Anne McArthur
November 29, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book.
I thought the author covered many of the instances of gross cruelty to non-human animals, as perpetrated by human animals, with his compelling narrative which was, at the same time, both highly entertaining and yet deeply harrowing.
I am not, usually, a fan of the anthropomorphisation of non-human animals because, in my opinion, those animals are usually demeaned by the process – but I feel able to make an exception here. All of the author’s non-human characters were likeable, relatable and believable. For some reason I was particularly drawn to Vincent the mink and, because I’m an avowed cat-person, to Apricot the cat (though she seems a lot braver and haughtier than the two moggies that live with me!). It probably goes without saying that the human animal characters were neither likeable or relatable – but they were certainly believable.
Persimmon is, though, the star – she savvy and sassy, clever and classy – and I cannot wait to read about her future missions in taking on humanity.
I would highly recommend this book to vegans and non-vegans alike.
I thought the author covered many of the instances of gross cruelty to non-human animals, as perpetrated by human animals, with his compelling narrative which was, at the same time, both highly entertaining and yet deeply harrowing.
I am not, usually, a fan of the anthropomorphisation of non-human animals because, in my opinion, those animals are usually demeaned by the process – but I feel able to make an exception here. All of the author’s non-human characters were likeable, relatable and believable. For some reason I was particularly drawn to Vincent the mink and, because I’m an avowed cat-person, to Apricot the cat (though she seems a lot braver and haughtier than the two moggies that live with me!). It probably goes without saying that the human animal characters were neither likeable or relatable – but they were certainly believable.
Persimmon is, though, the star – she savvy and sassy, clever and classy – and I cannot wait to read about her future missions in taking on humanity.
I would highly recommend this book to vegans and non-vegans alike.
August 10, 2016
I know from experience that it is really, really dang hard to write a story with the intention of imparting lessons in animal advocacy. It's even harder to make that story aimed at a YA audience. How do you manage to fully convey the horrors of animal exploitation without being knocked down as 'preachy'?
The industries/abuses that Locke has chosen to focus on in the start of this series are relatively easy for a layman to oppose. I won't give them away, but they're perfect choices to start with for a non-vegan reader. The book is separated episodically into about three parts, with one industry put under scrutiny per part.
Some of the lessons can sometimes get a bit too 'hard hitting', but the overall tone and attitude of the book is a great mix of harrowing and hopeful.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series, and that the book gets more recognition outside of the AR movement.
The industries/abuses that Locke has chosen to focus on in the start of this series are relatively easy for a layman to oppose. I won't give them away, but they're perfect choices to start with for a non-vegan reader. The book is separated episodically into about three parts, with one industry put under scrutiny per part.
Some of the lessons can sometimes get a bit too 'hard hitting', but the overall tone and attitude of the book is a great mix of harrowing and hopeful.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series, and that the book gets more recognition outside of the AR movement.
March 31, 2017
This novel was a complete surprise and delight! The story was so beautifully written about a very difficult topic—the animal cruelty that is inherent in raising animals for food, fur and entertainment for humans. The characters are a wily and eclectic band of clever, compassionate and determined animals including raccoons, possums, minks and squirrels—and a big dog—that see and experience horrific animal cruelty and set out on a mission to save animals. The story is a gripping detective novel, love story, poignant and heart-wrenching drama and expose on humanity—all in one. But most of all the story opens our eyes, hearts and consciousness to a deeply abusive system of using and exploiting animals today for food, fur and entertainment, and the profound suffering that these animals endure. It’s an inspiring and memorable book, and one all ages can enjoy. I highly recommend it!
November 25, 2016
This is the story of a raccoon named Persimmon who is inspired to help save animals who are being abused. It may be a Young Adult book, though despite the talking animals who make up the cast, this is certainly adult friendly as well. Early on I was not impressed with the writing. It seemed a little forced and I especially thought the verb usage to be a little too elementary. But as the book went on everything - characters, story line, and writing alike - seemed to pick up steam so that by the time I was halfway through Persimmon's 470 pages there was no stopping. The story ended up having insight into the veal industry, fur farms, and the circus and their inherent cruelties without being pedantic. The characters, especially the title character, were enjoyable and the story was more riveting than I expected. Definitely a worthwhile romp for lovers of fiction and animal rights.
March 3, 2016
This book grows on you chapter by chapter. The characters are relatable and really get you thinking about your own sense of self. Halfway through the book I was so absorbed in the story I couldn't put it down.
July 24, 2025
A gut wrenching, difficult read, this time about animal cruelty. Not sure how he can so accurately capture the thoughts and feelings of these animals, but the author makes them come alive. My only complaint is there were so many various animal species being introduced it was hard to keep track of everyone. Makes me want to try to be [as
Vegan as possible] to minimize my participation in their suffering
Vegan as possible] to minimize my participation in their suffering
July 23, 2018
I like others really wanted to like this. Really did and ended up not. It was rough. I tried again and again. Nothing. I was never pulled in by a single character, the plot was predictable by a mile and there was nothing to invest myself into. Sad, but true, my hope was crushed.
Want to read
August 26, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
January 13, 2023
Very depressing- definitely not for the faint-hearted
January 15, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book very compelling to read and think the author has done a great job 'teaching' about exploitation of animals and making it accessible for a YA audience.
I found this book very compelling to read and think the author has done a great job 'teaching' about exploitation of animals and making it accessible for a YA audience.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews