My Husband and Other Animals 2: The Wildlife Adventure Continues

by Janaki Lenin

'We’ve lived here at Pambukudivanam for 20 years now and many are the trees we planted that you can’t put your arms around. Orioles, treepies, woodpeckers, king¬fishers, spotted owlets and parakeets also call it home, and the resident rat snake regularly sheds his 7-foot-long skin below the expansive banyan tree shading our house.’ - Rom Whitaker
My Husband and Other Animals, Janaki Lenin’s first book, was lauded by readers and critics alike. With this compilation, she returns with more stories of the quirky and wonderful life she shares with her husband, Rom Whitaker, and an array of wild creatures—from leopards to king cobras. Janaki’s enthusiasm and passion for the wild finds a voice in the pages of her book, while her curiosity about the world she inhabits infuses these lighted-hearted, yet thought-provoking stories with unique insight. As much a chronicle of Janaki and Rom’s unusual life as it is a wild and eventful journey, My Husband and Other Animals 2: Wildlife Adventures Continue is a witty, delightful read.

Genres: Nonfiction, Wildlife

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2018

About the author

Janaki Lenin started writing in 2004 after turning her back on film-making. Writing was the only choice she had, since she didn't know any other skill besides making movies. She discovered writing was just like producing movies -- same principles, different medium.

Janaki started out writing articles for wildlife magazines while also wrangling with wildlife management issues such as coexistence. In 2010, she began writing a popular column in The Hindu, one of India's largest English newspapers, called My Husband and Other Animals. The first volume of collected essays from the column was published in 2012 and the second volume was released in April 2018. Every Creature Has A Story came out in 2020 (paperback in 2023). Snakes, Drugs Rock 'n' Roll, the autobiography of Romulus Whitaker, which she co-authored, was published in 2024.

Reviews

[Anupama C K(b0rn_2_read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting set of anecdotes

[Mittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

From being a editor to a filmmaker Janaki has taken a strong liking for writing. After marrying Rom, a renowned herpetologist, Janaki’s life has been full of surprises and serendipity. Over the years she has edited and written books, articles on wildlife, wildlife management and conservation issues. She has regularly written a column under the same name as both of her books (My Husband and Other Animals - I, II) for an Indian newspaper called 'The Hindu'.

This book is a compilation of essays based on her life experiences about the people and animals around her. The stories are from her backyard to her travels to rainforest and islands, from dealing with leeches to encountering king cobras. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put it down. Her writing style is direct without being rude. Some of the stories are bold, fresh and topped with funny witty remarks. She has a wry humour and a great perception about the people and animals often linking both with similar behavioral traits (Read- Why do men Rape and Should I stay or should I go?). It’s nearly impossible to choose which of the chapter I enjoyed reading most. Many of her stories based in Agumbe and Madras Crocodile Bank, made me nostalgic for the time spend at both the places. It was like knowing all the people and places all over again like it was just yesterday. I think she is going to be our next Gerald Durrell.

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun read. I have not yet read the first volume, but I don’t think that it makes a massive difference to my appreciation of this book.

Janaki has a smooth writing style, and the book is divided into many short chapters.

Along the way, you do get a lot of snippets about her life. You also get a lot of information about animals. The good thing is that the information is not dense, and is something that a lay reader will be able to digest and understand.

I did enjoy it.

[Vinayak Hegde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to the first book is even better. Many of the stories are meticulously researched. The author also probably felt freer to share the ups and down in her journey with her husband and love for wildlife in this book. The wit and the humour in the book keep it entertaining and informative at the same time. I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. The compendium is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Indian wildlife.

[Mohan Alembath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smashing, rollicking ride through the natural world, combining science and humour. Janaki is at her best describing situations associated with animals. It's a good addition to the natural history writings of India. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it unreservedly.

[Vaishnavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One would think that after the first volume, the author would have exhausted her stock of anecdotes. Fortunately for us, it is not so and the second volume is just as entertaining and educating as the first volume.

[A.soorianarayanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting details about snakes, crocodiles and other wild animals were narrated . Some myths about animals knowing beforehand the natural disasters like earthquakes etc laid to rest.

[A-Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good entertainer like the previous one, focus is more on animals than the husband in this book.

[Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read..

It's a good read for anyone who loves to read about animals.... Fast paced and engaging..
Lots of experiences that a nature lover can relate to..

[Ram kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read the first version this won't disappoint you, if you have not read the first version what are you doing?? Please read it :-)

[Hrusikesh Patra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read. Funny and informative.