Women and Other Animals is far from an optimistic feminist book. The novel follows the lives and experiences of different women - women who are usually invisible to the readers. These women lurk in the shadows, struggling to make something out of themselves in a world where others succeed and flourish. Healthy relationships are off the table and their relatives are usually a sign of trouble. However, they find solace in nature and cooking. The book is divided into different parts each telling a different tale.
Shotgun Wedding. The story revolves around Gwen. Her sister is getting married soon and Gwen is worried that he will not protect her little sister the way she did. Gwen always defended her sister during their childhood. Alone and without electricity, Gwen finds feels at peace in her shack in the woods.
Eating Aunt Victoria. The story follows a 500-pound woman who breaks her front porch and sinks into the ground. She is later pulled out with a boom.
Running. This is a story of a biologist who is convinced that parenting is far too difficult after she decides to tutor her neighbor’s daughter. During all the tutoring sessions, the teenage girl fails to focus. She is only thinking of boys.
Bringing Home the Bone. The story revolves around a teenage girl who is desperately searching for her leg at the cemetery.
Gorilla Girl follows a teenage girl who makes bad choices in her life which later turns her into a ravenous beast.
