*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*

ANIMAL LIFE is centered around a midwife, Dómhildur, and follows the twists and turns of her great-aunt's uncovered manuscripts. At it's core, this book is about inheritance of professions and stewardship. Dómhildur followed her maternal lineage's tradition of becoming a midwife, and while this book touches on the darkness and light that can be found in deliveries-- it also dives in and out of so many subjects of life. The book often feels disjointed, but is tied together with Dómhildur's own experiences and day-to-day life.

This book feels more philosophical and contemplative than anything else. Many readers will (and do) struggle with its lack of plot or direction-- but I thoroughly enjoyed ANIMAL's transcendent structure and am grateful I had the opportunity to listen to this beautifully narrated version.