In the novel "Talking Animals," animals of New York City have taken over human jobs and formed corrupt systems. Alpaca and llama employees at City Hall embark on a mission to take down the system, leading them to a clandestine group at the Sea Front. The book is a contemporary allegory about community, capitalism, art, protest, global warming, and the struggle to change one's life. Format: Paperback / softback Length: 304 pages Publication date: 16 October 2020 Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc Parrots own cafés, lemurs run the espresso machines, badgers tend bar, raccoons write for The Post, and a racehorse is mayor.In this whimsical and imaginative world, New York City is a melting pot of unique creatures. Dogs roam the streets of Wall Street, while cats prowl the bustling Broadway. However, it's not all fun and games. Sea creatures, often viewed with fear and disgust, are a source of concern for the city's inhabitants. Some even propose building a massive wall to keep them out.Enter Alfonzo, an alpaca, and Mitchell, a llama, who work at City Hall and are trying to navigate the collapsing city. Their mission? To meet girls and, perhaps, save the world from impending doom. Despite their lowly positions, they are determined to take down the corrupt system that is selling the city out from beneath its real inhabitants.Their journey leads them to the Sea Front, a clandestine group that could be either a hive of dangerous radicals or an inspirational liberation movement. This world without humans is teeming with creatures stuck in frustrating jobs and surrounded by crumbling infrastructure and worsening environmental catastrophes.Joni Murphy's Talking Animals is a captivating contemporary allegory that blends elements of Animal Farm, Annie Hall, and The Sixth Extinction. It explores themes of community, capitalism, art, protest, global warming, and personal transformation. With its delicate and urgent narrative, Murphy offers a thought-provoking reflection on the state of our world and the urgent need for change.Through the eyes of Alfonzo and Mitchell, we witness the struggles and triumphs of these creatures as they navigate a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar. Their journey is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the determination to make a difference, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.In a world that often feels divided and chaotic, Talking Animals provides a refreshing and hopeful perspective. It reminds us that we are all connected and that our actions can have a profound impact on the world around us. It is a book that encourages us to embrace our differences, work together for a common goal, and believe in the power of imagination and creativity to bring about positive change.So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this whimsical and captivating journey through the world of Talking Animals. Let Alfonzo and Mitchell's adventures inspire you to think outside the box, embrace your unique qualities, and strive for a better world for all creatures, big and small. Weight: 226g Dimension: 129 x 190 x 24 (mm) ISBN-13: 9780374538743