Animals against chaos

Press, 27 December 1980, Page 13

Animals against chaos

The Book of the Dun Cow. By Walter Wangerin Jun. Allen Lane, 1980. 241 pp. >14.95. This is a marvellous book. A first novel by an American author who has published two plays and several children’s books, it'; has an extraordinary imaginative and emotional power. Do not be put off by the strange title or dust-jacket, and do not dare to think that an animal fable is a lesser form of fiction.-’ This story of Chauntecleer, the rooster who crows harmony and order in his kingdom, of Mundo Cani, the unhappy and ugly dog r of Tick Tock, the bustling ant, of Pertelote, the

Roving hen, and a host of other unforgettable characters, will hold the reader enthralled from first page to last. Their desperate fight to preserve order and light against the chaos and darkness which threatens their world makes a powerful and moving story, full of joy and tears, hope anti despair until the final containing of the great evil through self-sacrifice. “The Book of the Dun Cow” is a highly original fable, beautifully written, funny and compassionate; It makes one eager to see more work from Walter Wangerin, clearly ; a thoughtful, intelligent and very literate writer. — Margaret Quigley.