Brandon Taylor did it again with his newest novel, Filthy Animals. After quite a wait from when I read Real Life last fall, I was not disappointed in the slightest with Filthy Animals. It was an eloquently-written novel touching on short moments in several different character’s lives. Some characters were only given a chapter- a screenshot of what it’s like to be young and queer or lonely and queer or in a relationship or just a plain young adult trying to make their way in the world. Others dominated the storyline of the book. I love Taylor’s writing. His own voice is so strong, yet he creates so many unique characters that are beautiful in their own quirky ways.
Filthy Animals had a much larger ensemble of characters than Real Life did, but it still developed a strong storyline between Lionel, Charles, and Sophie. Their strange relationship is rich with mystery and power dynamics, especially for Lionel who feels like he is on the outside looking in. Though the story only follows them for a few days or so, there are several developments in their relationship that kept me hooked. The dynamics are so complex and layered for each character and relationship visited in this book, but of course I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Taylor.
I worried I wouldn’t like this book as much as I liked Real Life, but it was moving in a different way for me. I don’t know if Lionel was able to win my heart over Wallace, but I do know that Brandon Taylor has established himself as a favorite author of mine.
Rating: 4/5 espressos
xx, Lauren
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