Animal People by Charlotte Wood

Charlotte Wood's critically-acclaimed early novel, now published outside of Australia for the first time.

Stephen is having the worst day of his life.

On a stiflingly hot summer morning, he has decided it's time to break up with his girlfriend Fiona. He's 39, aimless and unfulfilled, but without a clue how to make his life better. All he has are his instincts - and they may be his downfall.

Making his way through the pitiless city and the hours of a single day, Stephen must endure another shift of his dead-end job at Sydney zoo, fend off the relentless demands of his family, and face up to Fiona's aggressive ex-husband.

As an ordinary day unravels into an existential crisis, Stephen begins to understand - perhaps too late - that love is not a trap, and only he can free himself.