Author: Khushboo Shah
Publisher: Readomania
I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What if animals ruled and humans were treated like cattle?
Welcome to LittleTown, where Chi Kenny, a bespectacled chicken with
googly eyes, enjoys an idyllic life—until a factory farm conglomerate takes
over his land and seizes his pet homin family: Adam, Eve, and Apple. Witnessed
by an unnamed ghostly human narrator, Kenny is thrust into the ruthless world
of factory farming, dominated by massive dairy farms, automated
slaughterhouses, and exploitative markets. Determined to save Adam, Kenny takes
on the system with a crew of oddball allies. Can an ordinary chicken spark a
revolution against exploitation? And, who is the mysterious narrator? This
disquietingly dystopian, yet scathingly satirical tale, filled with whimsical
puns, will jolt you out of your indifference!
When a book has a premise where the roles are reversed, you walk into the book with a certain expectation and a plot in mind, only to be proven wrong on so many counts, and to be honest, that subterfuge is what works for the book. In the book, we encounter a world where animals rules in the world, and a form of humans were reared as cattle. The plot focuses on how the Big Corporation takes over the family-owned farm and disrupts their way of life. The plot focuses on how this corporation produces its products, the ruthless and the mechanical manner of it all. The writing in the book is something that keeps you hooked right till the very end. Khushboo keeps you guessing about the actual plot of the book as she presents Chi Kenny’s story through the eyes of a narrator which is a separate plot that is closely linked to the primary storyline. What works in the book is Khushboo’s writing which is simple yet captivating. Another aspect of the book is that the world building is slow, meticulous but never does get boring at any point in time. The way in which the entire operation is presented helps the reader connect with Chi Kenny and sets the tone for the trial. The thought that went behind creating the connections, the acronyms (specially the acronyms!) was a wonderful touch and added to the charm of the writing. The climax, however, is something that shows the excellent writing that Khushboo has done. The entire perspective changes as the big reveal happens and you understand the reasons for the events of the book in hindsight.
The characters are the soul of the book, and here is where the writing
truly stands out. Starting with the character names, each name is closely
linked to the animals and the characteristics they exhibit in this world, and
for me that was a wonderful exercise guessing the animal from the names. With
names like Tie Grr (with a collection of ties), Dr Elle Phant, Chi Kenny, Dr C
Horse and a lot more, you are thoroughly engaged all the way. The character
building and the arcs are extremely well written which adds to the charm of
reading the book. The character arc of Chi Kenny, right from a docile employee
to a whistle blower is well explored and well written. The narrator,
personally, was the cherry atop the cake that ties everything in a neat bow.
If you want to read a well-rounded dystopian novel that entertains you, generates
curiosity and has a dash of humour, do pick up the book. The book scores a
4.94/5 for me.
Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore!
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