My exploration of contemporary literature continues with the latest book by Pulitzer Prize winning author Jane Smiley's new book which came out in December. This was another Book Club book, and one that I was excited to read. It's been a while since I read any "talking animal" literature, probably too long given me affinity for the sub-genre. It's also been awhile since I read a book that so was joyful...something I do actually enjoy every now and then.
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
(Knopf 2020)
When a racehorse named Perestroika (Peres) wanders away from the track one evening after a win, taking with her the purse containing money won on her victory, she is simply following her curiosity and the patches of vegetation that lead her eventually the Champ de Mars in the shadow of the Eiffel tower. The filly's unlikely journey leads to a more unlikely adventure with the unlikeliest of friends; an intelligent stray dog named Frida, a raven, two ducks, and lovable rat named Kurt.
This delightful novel follows these animal friends over the course of an autumn, winter, and spring as they use the money to purchase food and eventually end up living with an eight year boy and his nearly hundred year great-grandma. Smiley invites into the intimate and fascinating world that exists unnoticed by most, and once you've visited, it's unlikely you'll want to leave.
A novel that has a classic feel, told with unquestionable skill.
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