50 pages • 1 hour read
The Lives of Animals
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Book Brief
136
Novella • Fiction
New England • 1990s
1999
Princeton University Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Lives of Animals by J. M. Coetzee, aging novelist Elizabeth Costello delivers lectures on animal rights at Appleton College, juxtaposing literature and philosophy to challenge views on animal cruelty, rights, and the distinction between humans and animals, while her strained relationship with her son John and his wife Norma underscores familial tension. Themes include genocide, the Holocaust, and animal cruelty.
Contemplative
Emotional
Informative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
3,663 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
J. M. Coetzee's The Lives of Animals is widely praised for its compelling exploration of animal rights and human ethics, blending fiction and philosophy in a unique narrative style. However, some critics find the layered structure challenging and the moral arguments heavy-handed at times. Overall, it stimulates important discussions on compassion and intellectual introspection.
Who Should Read The Lives of Animals?
A thoughtful reader who appreciates philosophical discourse, ethical questions about human-animal relationships, and literary works that challenge societal norms will find J. M. Coetzee’s The Lives of Animals compelling. Similar to Peter Singer's Animal Liberation and Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis, it appeals to those who enjoy blending fiction with deep moral inquiry.
3,663 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Bernard
John Bernard
Elizabeth’s son, who views the story’s events from his perspective as an assistant professor at Appleton College, often expressing skepticism and concern about his mother’s views and presence.
Norma Bernard
Norma Bernard
John’s wife, a philosopher with a specialization in the "philosophy of the mind," whose skepticism and disagreements with Elizabeth heighten the narrative tension.
Thomas O’Hearne
Thomas O’Hearne
A Philosophy professor at Appleton College who engages in debates with Elizabeth, providing counterarguments to her views and furthering the story’s exploration of philosophical themes.
136
Novella • Fiction
New England • 1990s
1999
Princeton University Press
Adult
18+ years
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