Animal People
On sale
23rd April 2026
Price: £10.99
Charlotte Wood’s critically-acclaimed early novel, now published outside of Australia for the first time.
Stephen is having the worst day of his life.
On a stiflingly hot summer morning, he has decided it’s time to break up with his girlfriend Fiona. He’s 39, aimless and unfulfilled, but without a clue how to make his life better. All he has are his instincts – and they may be his downfall.
Making his way through the pitiless city and the hours of a single day, Stephen must endure another shift of his dead-end job at Sydney zoo, fend off the relentless demands of his family, and face up to Fiona’s aggressive ex-husband.
As an ordinary day unravels into an existential crisis, Stephen begins to understand – perhaps too late – that love is not a trap, and only he can free himself.
Stephen is having the worst day of his life.
On a stiflingly hot summer morning, he has decided it’s time to break up with his girlfriend Fiona. He’s 39, aimless and unfulfilled, but without a clue how to make his life better. All he has are his instincts – and they may be his downfall.
Making his way through the pitiless city and the hours of a single day, Stephen must endure another shift of his dead-end job at Sydney zoo, fend off the relentless demands of his family, and face up to Fiona’s aggressive ex-husband.
As an ordinary day unravels into an existential crisis, Stephen begins to understand – perhaps too late – that love is not a trap, and only he can free himself.
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Reviews
Charlotte Wood is one of our finest and most chameleonic writers . . . This is a beautiful, resounding tale of an ordinary man flailing. It's superb storytelling
This is a compelling and ultimately moving novel that cements Wood's place as one of the most intelligent and compassionate novelists in Australia
When I finished, I wanted to start it all over again
Wood is a consummate observer of the human condition
Wood's books are an intimately rendered portrait of contemporary Australia and, as such, prompt readers to think about some of this country's real issues
It made me laugh and cry. What more could you ask for?