Michael Batchelor

I received a free copy of the book through the Goodreads Giveaways program and voluntarily chose to review.

For the animals of Doe's Circus, life is hard. At the mercy of the ringmaster and his tyrannical gang of showmen, the petting zoo animals long to escape.

Written from the perspective of the animals, the story takes you through how they react to the abuse they suffer, their determination to survive, and their plan to escape.

With superb characterization, the story is well written. It's dark and suspenseful with a surprise ending that left somewhat disappointed and slightly traumatized.… (mer)

Animal Circus
By Michael Batchelor
2018
Amazon Short/ NetGalley

What happens when Walt and Bonnie the pigs and Nathaniel the rooster, residing in the petting zoo of 'Doe's Circus, The Great Australian Animal Circus' tire of seeing the abuse of the Main Act animals by the ringmasters and trainers? Become worn out by their own abuses and begin to fear the loathsome kids, and resent their role as loveable fun animals in a petting zoo? They dream of escape.
This is more than a story of the abuses of the circus. Its a story of the circus through the minds and feelings of the animals and is told with much love and insightfulness.
This short story makes the point that cruelty and suffering are not just human emotions. The perceivement of power usually ends with the privileged abusing their power, and viewing everything as a personal possession more than a feeling being.
Riveting, compelling, I totally enjoyed this and the ending was a surprise.
Recommended.
#AnimalCircus #NetGalley… (mer)