by Anthony Conty (Parkville, MD): The opening scenes in “Raising Hare” involve political advisor Chloe Dalton creating a habitat for a leveret, a one-year-old hare without a mother. The odds appeared stacked against her, and we root for success. I read critics that said there was “too much hare” in this book, but if you have ever connected with a baby animal, as we did with our hedgehogs, you will relate.
If you struggled to know that hares and rabbits were different (like me), their tendencies will be new to you, like their ability to conceive while already pregnant. They can also be flighty, but always return to the same spot eventually. This made Chloe’s life challenging as she plotted a return to the city. Could she abandon this lovely creature, and would it notice?
The attention to detail here, both in writing and in description of the animal, will impress you. Dalton obviously paid attention to the animal. The adventure begins when Dalton discovers the animal’s sex and realizes that more problems associated with caring for the animal are afoot, leading her to question her importance in the hare’s life.
Dalton achieves the most when describing the animal kingdom with the drama it deserves. When you develop an attachment, it seems unfair that one being serves as prey. The short lifespans of hares in the wild make this all the more dramatic, while scores of hares begin to appear around Dalton with varied results.
Considering that this is Dalton’s first novel, you have to tip your cap to her on her imagery here. You were right there in the fields in the English countryside. If you did not appreciate hares for their idiosyncrasies and role in the ecosystem, you will after reading “Raising Hare.” Those who have embraced exotic pets will remember their motivation.
