Sprout has no name, except the one she gives herself. She chooses it because sprouts (as in the plants) are the beginning of life, and for an egg-laying hen trapped in a battery cage, the prospect of creating life is a daring dream. So begins Sun-Mi Hwang's short novel, which follows Sprout from the farmyard to freedom. It may sound like the start of Chicken Run but make no mistake, freedom here comes at the cost freedom always comes at - danger, sacrifice, and no garuntee of happiness. The only reward is in making one's own choices - and in accepting the consequences. What Animal Farm is to Communism, this book is to free will. I saw a post recently that said ' female Korean authors cut like a knife ' and oh boy is that true here. The book forces the reader back into a child-like state - which is the last time most of us read illustrated books about the barnyard. For English readers, the characters transport us back to Charlotte's Web , The Animals of Farthing ...
Book Blogging by Emma Samuel