“Raw” is an over-used word for honest and forthright stories about sex and death, but that’s exactly what this book is: it’s the steak tartare of literature. Baxter could have easily veered into the smutty or the maudlin (or both!) with such a story, but she balances her unique brand of dark comedy with expertise that belies her early career status. I loved, loved, loved this book and snort-laughed all the way through.

My full review of New Animal is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.