Let me start by saying this book is so important. I love the concept and it puts a spotlight on areas of animal cruelty you may not have encountered before. However I do think that the blurb of this book grossly misleads the reader, as I was expecting a light-hearted, entertaining romp of animals giving humans the finger by saving fellow animals. What you actually get is a harrowing, heartbreaking, hopeless novel that introduces you to characters you so deeply love and then kills them off in the most brutal way.

The graphic descriptions of the torture and abuse of animals is hard to read, and whilst I acknowledge we should not close our eyes because it hurts to see (much like Persimmon herself says), I do wonder if this could have been handled more delicately. Particularly given this is a YA novel and a woman in her 20s found it hard to stomach.

I also feel that this could have been more polished at editing stage, much of the writing and dialogue feels quite clunky and Persimmon's constant earnest pep talks to the group become repetitive and preachy after a while - it perhaps didn't need 471 pages to make its point.. All in all, I would recommend you give it a go, but if you're sensitive to graphic descriptions of animal abuse and torture, read with caution.

The story of a raccoon named Persimmon who is inspired to help save animals who are being abused.

The book grows on you chapter by chapter. The characters are relatable and really get you thinking about your own sense of self.

*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley/Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book very compelling to read and think the author has done a great job 'teaching' about exploitation of animals and making it accessible for a YA audience.

The cover alone grabbed me, and then I started reading. What followed was an inventive adventure I would gladly place on my classroom shelf — inspired humor and wit for old and young alike.