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I am a big fan of quirky humor and loveable characters and so Unlikely Animals hit the sweet spot for me, sort of a Dr. Dolittle in Wonderland. It is part historical fiction, part family drama, part mystery and, my favorite, part magical realism. I would recommend readers start by reading the author's notes on her research at the end of the book first. No spoilers but I think it makes the story even more special. There are serious topics here including death, dementia, depression, addiction, and a missing loved one but it is never dark or brooding and no trigger warnings seem needed.

There is something very loveable about a story where a family and a community earnestly struggle to come together, weathering whatever storms come their way. I love the little town of Everton, New Hampshire where the omniscient (within town limits) dead watch over the community, cheering them on but not meddling too much for fear of poofing into the unknown. I love a story with animals both real and imagined and I especially love a story the author has so clearly put her heart and soul into, creating a joyful story based on true events with a bit of added magic.

Thank you Ballantine Books and Netgalley for providing a DRC for
my enjoyment and review.