logo

73 pages 2 hours read

Animal's People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Indra Sinha

Animal's People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

388

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Khaufpur, India • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Animal's People by Indra Sinha follows a 19-year-old boy disfigured by the 1984 Bhopal industrial disaster in the fictional town of Khaufpur as he navigates life, exploring themes of Western capitalism's callousness, injustice, and dehumanization. His story, told through taped recordings, highlights his struggle with love, identity, and the community's fight against the exploiting company. The novel features child abandonment, severe disfigurement, environmental contamination, and communal strife.

Dark

Mysterious

Emotional

Gritty

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

5,317 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Indra Sinha's Animal's People is lauded for its compelling narrative and unique voice, bringing to light the human consequences of industrial disasters. Critics praise its vivid storytelling and emotional depth. Some readers, however, find the dialect challenging and the narrative structure complex. Overall, the novel effectively evokes empathy and raises important social issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Animal's People?

Readers who appreciate Animal's People by Indra Sinha will likely enjoy stories of resilience and human spirit in the face of adversity. Fans of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things or Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance will connect with the rich, character-driven narratives and the exploration of socio-political issues.

4.2

5,317 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Animal

A 19-year-old boy from Khaufpur who is physically altered by an industrial disaster, narrates the novel, and identifies as an animal. His distinctive perspective on life reflects the broader struggles of his community.

A kind and compassionate Hindu girl in her late teens, who treats Animal with acceptance and becomes his close ally. She is romantically involved with Zafar and is thoughtful about the societal issues faced by her community.

A respected activist and central figure in Khaufpur, committed to seeking justice for survivors of the disaster. He is Nisha's boyfriend, known for his principled stands and dedication to the city's impoverished.

Nisha’s father, a former singer whose life was upended by the disaster, leaving him with injured lungs. He maintains a stoic presence and nurtures a passion for music.

An American doctor who opens a free clinic in Khaufpur and faces skepticism from the community, due to suspicions about her motives. She is determined to help despite these challenges.

A French nun who lost the ability to speak any language but French after the disaster and devotes herself to helping Khaufpur's people. She holds a unique place in Animal's life, offering him care and affection.

Zafar's devoted right-hand man, known for his tough demeanor and loyalty. Initially, Animal's rival, but their relationship evolves throughout the story.

Book Details
Pages

388

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Khaufpur, India • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.