Hot Animal Love: Tales of Modern Romance

by Scott Bradfield

Scott Bradfield's newest collection, Hot Animal Love, reads as if Raymond Carver penned Charlotte's Web — though for the kids this collection is surely not. Bradfield's witty, sardonic prose is brilliantly on display as the harsh emotional realities of contemporary life — exemplified by the basic instincts of love and hate — are played out across all facets of the animal kingdom. From a duck struggling to gain academic tenure and a penguin trying to drink himself to death, to personal ads for lonely canines, and the familiar antics of those poor, pitiful, humans themselves, Bradfield strips bare the very essence of human behavior and asks us to consider who the real beasts are — the results are both hilarious and profoundly moving.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2014

About the author

Scott Michael Bradfield is an American essayist, critic and fiction writer who resides in London, England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_B...

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set of very unusual, creative, sometimes very funny short stories. Most involve characters that are animals playing the part of humans in human situations, yet with animal traits as well. Mostly allegories. Best of the stories, by far, is Doggy Love, which is worth getting the book. In it, a couple of dogs use social media (actually email) to set up a romantic rendezvous in the doggie park - absolutely hilarious.

[Chris Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for everyone but some seriously funny shit for those inclined to the unusual. Short, simple stories. Exactly what I want in short fiction.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed through some of this. I just couldn't get into it. A few stories were good, but many left me yawning. After reading rave reviews, I was severely disappointed because I generally love animal stories. Oh well.

[Leslie Haas · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the whole book was as funny as the "Doggy Love" chapter, I'd give this book 5 stars. Still, worth the purchase just for that alone!