By Ashley Rands, Marketing
Literature has a unique way of using symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings, and one intriguing way this is done is through titles featuring animals. These books often use the animal in the title as a symbolic element rather than a direct reference to the animal itself. Let’s explore some captivating reads where the animal in the title leads us into a world of diverse themes and profound narratives.
Recommendations of Books with an Animal in the Title
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic example where the bird in the title symbolizes innocence and the destruction of innocence. The novel, set in the racially charged atmosphere of the American South during the 1930s, addresses profound themes of racial injustice and moral growth. The “mockingbird” represents the idea of innocence that should not be harmed.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch is a coming-of-age novel that revolves around a young boy named Theo Decker and his attachment to a famous painting, “The Goldfinch,” by Carel Fabritius. The goldfinch in the title symbolizes beauty, captivity, and the endurance of art through time. The painting becomes a central element in Theo’s life, representing both his deepest loss and his greatest source of hope.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles By Hiro Arikawa
With simple yet descriptive prose, this novel gives voice to Nana the cat and his owner, Satoru, as they take to the road on a journey with no other purpose than to visit three of Satoru’s longtime friends. Or so Nana is led to believe . . .
With his crooked tail–a sign of good fortune–and adventurous spirit, Nana is the perfect companion for the man who took him in as a stray. And as they travel in a silver van across Japan, with its ever-changing scenery and seasons, they will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love.
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans
While The Horse Whisperer does involve horses, the title is more about the relationship and healing process between humans and animals. The novel tells the story of a young girl and her horse, both traumatized by a severe accident, and the horse trainer who helps them recover. The “whisperer” signifies the gentle, intuitive communication and understanding that goes beyond words, reflecting deeper themes of healing and connection.
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
The Elephant Vanishes is a collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami, where the titular story involves a mysterious vanishing elephant. The elephant, in this context, serves as a symbol of the inexplicable and elusive nature of reality and human experience. Murakami’s stories often delve into the surreal, presenting everyday occurrences that hint at deeper, often unsettling truths about the human condition.
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine
While not about geese, R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series taps into the spine-chilling and thrilling aspects of childhood. The title reflects the eerie and unsettling feelings evoked by the stories rather than focusing on any particular animal. Each book in the series presents a new horror scenario, playing on the fears and imaginations of young readers.
These books show how the use of animals in titles can lead readers into unexpected territories, often using the animal as a gateway to explore deeper human emotions and societal issues. Whether they symbolize innocence, absurdity, survival, or transformation, these animals guide us through narratives that resonate far beyond their literal meanings. Happy reading!
