Animal People

By: Charlotte Wood

Charlotte Wood's critically-acclaimed early novel, now published outside of Australia for the first time.

Stephen is having the worst day of his life.

On a stiflingly hot summer morning, he has decided it's time to break up with his girlfriend Fiona. He's 39, aimless and unfulfilled, but without a clue how to make his life better. All he has are his instincts - and they may be his downfall.

Making his way through the pitiless city and the hours of a single day, Stephen must endure another shift of his dead-end job at Sydney zoo, fend off the relentless demands of his family, and face up to Fiona's aggressive ex-husband.

As an ordinary day unravels into an existential crisis, Stephen begins to understand - perhaps too late - that love is not a trap, and only he can free himself.©2026 Charlotte Wood

Critic reviews

Charlotte Wood is one of our finest and most chameleonic writers . . . This is a beautiful, resounding tale of an ordinary man flailing. It's superb storytelling

This is a compelling and ultimately moving novel that cements Wood's place as one of the most intelligent and compassionate novelists in Australia

When I finished, I wanted to start it all over again

Wood is a consummate observer of the human condition

Wood's books are an intimately rendered portrait of contemporary Australia and, as such, prompt readers to think about some of this country's real issues

It made me laugh and cry. What more could you ask for?