8 Best Books Written From Animal’s POV | Novels From Animal’s Point of View

Novelists are constantly experimenting with the aspects of a novel – namely the plot, characters, setting, theme and point of view. Using animals as narrators adds another dimension to the story, and makes it more intriguing and adorable. Sometimes these stories are centred around animal lives, sometimes, they’re narrated via them. Today, we’re taking a look at 8 best books written from animal’s POV. These are some of the best novels from animal’s point of view that are ever written.

The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein

This book is told from the perspective of a dog, and is the heartwarming story of feline love. This book explores the wonderful relationship of a dog and his human, and the trials and tribulations of life the brave together. Enzo as a dog is witty, funny, adorable and affable. His human is a race car driver, who is going through a rough patch in his life.

Timothy; or Notes of an Abject Reptile by Verlyn Klinkenborg

This wonderful story is that of a tortoise, and it’s based on the world’s famous tortoise – observed by the 18^th century naturalist Galbraith. In this book, Verlyn gives the tortoise an unforgettable voice that is witty and cute. Timothy’s conceptions of the world, its humans and animals are sharp yet innocent, making this book interesting and adorable.

Flush by Virginia Woolf

Flush is the heartwarming biography of the brilliant poetess Elizabeth Barrett Browning from the eyes of her cocker spaniel, Flush. As Flush has regular dog experiences with other dogs and maids, he also provides insight into the life of his mistress. The dog’s perspective seems so real and so endearing, that one feels warm in the heart and the tummy after reading this book.

Mink River by Brian Doyle

Set in a small Oregon town, this book tells the story of a variety of eclectic residents and their lives. With lots and lots of animals, love affairs, small town mysteries and stories, this book provides the perspective of a crow, and unfolds all the intricacies that come along with it.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

The narrator in this novel may be omniscient, but this fable centres around the animal world, and gives them a real and strong voice. This is the story of a farm whose animals unite to overthrow the cruel humans. However the elite pigs end up becoming more totalitarian than even the humans. This cautionary story is powerful and hard hitting, with a message more applicable to humans than to animals.

Rose in a Storm by Jon Katz

Pulsating with the rhythms of the natural world, this story is told from the perspective of a dog, Rose who preemptively realizes the onset of a storm. Rose’s characterization is sheer brilliance, she is sensitive to the sheep on the farm, and to her owner’s every need and desire. She is also resourceful, so that when the blizzard strikes, she must use all that she has to save her beloved farm. This is a tale of innocence and resilience, and the force with which our feline friends risk for us.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton

This story is told from the perspective of a domestic crow called Shit Turd, who lives a peaceful life with his owner. That is until his owner’s eyeballs pop out of his head. Now, there are rumours about an impending apocalypse with some hints of cannibalism. This snowballs into a horror novel, with touches of feline affability.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

This book is described as the autobiography of a horse, and it is exactly that. Through an evocative story, Sewell delves into the themes of animal rights and advocates kindness, compassion, fraternity and love for all.

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