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About this book
Print edition available at All Lit Up!
Roadkill stuffed and presented as art, an OB/GYN appointment gone horribly wrong, and government spies with a weakness for salmon bagels and Timmy Ho’s. Tender, satirical, and occasionally absurd, Barb Howard’s new story collection Western Taxidermy is a perfect introduction to one of Western Canada’s most high-spirited literary voices. In these sixteen stories, Howard effortlessly balances wry social commentary and prairie gothic, pairing humans and animals in clever and unexpected ways.
Reviews
"Smart, funny, disturbing and sad, these stories will raise the hackles of your imagination."
"Barb Howard's seemingly straightforward collection of people and dogs, wounded deer and stuffed gophers, are anything but. She's a master of the sublime, the understated, and the subtle. Howard can pause your heart, engage your mind, and make you laugh out loud. Don't be fooled."
"In Western Taxidermy, Barb Howard serves up stories of comedy and tragedy in unflinching detail, underscored with bang-on observations and razor-sharp wit, all presented in spare, evocative language."
"Bizarre, disturbing, sad, hilarious and haunting. Howard's stories stir the reader's imagination."
"Not only would I recommend reading it, I would recommend re-reading it not long after."
"Western Taxidermy is an undeniably funny book—laugh out loud funny—as a result of keen observations, honesty, and dry humour on the part of serious characters."
"Grab it for a satisfying, thoughtful tease on your palate before we tumble headlong into snow season." full review
