I found the first chapters very intriguing, I can’t wait to read the rest of the book.
Having read the author’s previous book, I have to say I really enjoy her writing and this is one of of my most anticipated books of 2021. Really curious to see how she will develop the story in this novel.

I think this plot shows promise for an exciting novel. When I first started reading this extract I struggled to get into it initially. I see where Taddeo is trying to go with the plot but it felt a little rushed and I would have enjoyed understanding more of the events leading up to Joan’s current situation. Joan’s character clearly has some unresolved issues, causing her to form unhealthy relationships with men and becoming unapproachable to women. I could see how her character was trying to be portrayed, a blunt, desensitised woman in which does not conform to the perfect and ideal life set out for women. Her characterisation sometimes then bled into the descriptive elements. The attempt to create an image and set a scene was a good attempt however the chosen descriptives lacked just a little, so I could not fully let myself imagine what was being described. I think there were some geographical issues when discussing Scotland and Newcastle as Newcastle is in England, this element could feel more authentic with a little more research beyond the tartan and gravel roads. What was effective was Joan speaking directly to the reader. This made it seem as though the story was being told first hand like a therapy session or a confession which is an interesting perspective to follow and see where it takes us. Already in this extract there are a lot of cliffhangers and questions. I believe this can be a very interesting plot, offering the stark life of a broken woman showing how some people have more hurt than others lifetimes worth.a If the rest of the book follows a thriller and mystery route and with the correct research, this could make for a really great novel. It offers the idea that you can both love and hate the protagonist, with the potential to offer moments when the audience questions each characters morals and behaviours but asking themselves why they also feel sympathy towards the characters. The message that is evident from this extract is to not judge someone so quickly if you do not know what they have been through or why they choose to do what they do. One recommendation would be to look at alternative terms than “mentally challenged” such as lifelong developmental issue or disability.

This little sample of the book has gripped me from the very first line. I'm definitely going to be buying this book when it comes out!

Like many other reviews I literally can not wait to read the full book. I love Lisa Taddeo's writing, her novel Three Women was a breath of fresh air for me and I enjoyed every word. This book seems equally riveting and powerful...bring on June 24, 2021.

First of all, I would like to say a huge thanks to #netgalley, Lisa Taddeo and the publishers for the opportunity to read a two-chapter sampler of this upcoming novel in exchange for an honest review.

Next up, can we take a moment to appreciate what is probably one of the best openings of all times. The story hits the ground running and only gathers speed. The text is punchy and clipped, a bit like the information we are being fed by the narrator. It helps reveal more about the protagonist.

If this is how the book starts, herd-hitting, gutsy, full of life, I can't wait to see how it ends. I'm queuing up to see what Taddeo has cooked up. We're in for a treat.

Having read ‘Three Women’ I knew Lisa Taddeo is an exceptional writer. This excerpt certainly had me hooked. Not too much is given away up-front. What type of person is Joan? There is enough here to make huge assumptions and I expect there will be complexities and revelations in which to draw out motivations and challenge the reader. This is definitely on the to be read list.

Wow.. I loved three women and this already might just move to the number one slot... can’t wait to be able to read the whole book!

I adored Three Women when I read it last year. I think Lisa Taddeo's writing is really unusual - the style is incredibly detailed and descriptive. When I was reading Three Women I forgot that it was actually a non-fiction book, so I wasn't surprised when I heard about the release of Animal. The sample was dark, raw and gritty - I loved the idea but, at the same time, I have no idea where the story is going and how events will unfold. A fantastic start!

What a great book thoroughly enjoyed throughout read it super quick didnt want to put it down....would definitely recommend this book to others

This extract of “Animal” piqued my interest in reading the full book. I am intrigued by the main character and her caustic, blunt narrative. I want to know more about the trauma hinted at in her childhood as well as find answers to why she moved across the country to search for Alice. She has been told she’s a sociopath and she disagrees, but I would like to know more in order to form my own opinion.

It’s a charged and intriguing beginning.

Glorious and raw
No net curtains softening the rage of women
The beauty and power of her words are captivating.
Please I need more!

Like many people I am eagerly anticipating the release of Animal so was excited to read this extract. Told in a unique voice, this gripped me from the beginning and I can't wait to read more !
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this extract.

So excited to read the rest of this! Lisa Taddeo is fantastic, I loved Three Women and have been eagerly awaiting her next work. Hurry up NetGalley!

The extract is from a novel aptly named ‘animal’. Each character was immediately defined by what they thought they could get from another. A very dog eat dog introduction.
When tragedy strikes the narrative isn’t punctuated by emotion but rather a cool assessment of what has been lost and how to regain it. This is a motivated woman. She knows exactly what she has been taking and the author expertly sets you up wanting to know why. What is the source of her rage, and who will she weaponise her sex against next?

This is a gripping and mysterious introduction to the novel that will leave you wanting more.

"I'll [tell the story] this way so that you may withhold your sympathy. Or maybe you won't have any sympathy at all. That's fine by me."

A thoroughly engrossing story, told in a vivid and unrepentant way. The author has harnessed their keen insight of the human mind to create three-dimensional characters that come alive off the page. It is a book that you just won't want to put down!

"If someone ask me to describe myself in a single word, DEPRAVED is the one I would use"...

I alrady found „Three women“ a highly recomme dable read, yet „Animal“ seems to quite different. What I liked waht the lively narrator, Taddeo seems to have found a unique voice for thenwomanntelling her story. Definitely a strong beginning whic made me curious about the rest of the novel.

This is such a taut, propulsive opening to a novel. After reading and adoring Three Women, I had high expectations for Taddeo's debut novel and this teaser is everything I thought it would be.

The narrator is playful and sharp but I feel like a quiet devastation is just underneath the surface. It seems like Taddeo has similar themes at play as in Three Women, but is also perhaps taking a leaf out of Lauren Groff's book and giving us a glimpse into female rage.

Please sir, I want some more!