Welcome to the Zoo

A funny, sharp and exceptionally well-written debut. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything on this subject that hits a thousand small nails on the head in the way that this book does.

Silje Bekeng-Flemmen is an experienced journalist, and this is particularly evident in her use of language. She manoeuvres easily and lithely through the kingdom of metaphor.

The absent-minded, reflective narrative style, interspersed with questions and quotes, is obviously inspired by Maggie Nelson, and is also reminiscent of another American author – Jenny Offill.

Prose, at times gorgeous, encompassing animals, imagined catastrophes, children who light up others’ faces, and a good many exacting emotions and descriptions for those of us who have been through it all before.

Welcome to the Zoo is at its best when it devotes itself to the specific details of life with small children, and to the reflections that stem from it.