Etre the Cow

by Sean Kenniff
Etre the Cow cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 1422
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • ISBN: 9780757315022
  • Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.
  • Published: 2010-04-01
  • Reviews: 3

Etre the Cow offers a unique and unsettling perspective on the life of a bull in a contemporary farming environment. The story is told with such vivid detail and emotional depth that readers will find themselves deeply immersed in the protagonist's world. The narrative explores themes of captivity, survival, and the stark realities of animal life on a farm, providing a powerful commentary on the human-animal relationship. Through the eyes of the bull, the book delves into the mundane yet terrifying aspects of farm life, highlighting the resilience and inner strength of the animals that inhabit it. The author's convincing portrayal of the bull's experiences makes this a compelling read that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Reviews
Times Now News · 2025-04-21
haunting 4.50

The book is described as a haunting meditation on sentience and suffering. It presents a unique and thought-provoking perspective.

This review praises 'Etre the Cow' as a haunting and profound exploration of sentience and suffering. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to present a unique perspective on these complex themes, making it a standout piece of literature. They suggest that the book's depth and emotional resonance make it a memorable and impactful read. The reviewer also notes that the book's meditation on these themes is likely to stay with readers long after they finish it.

Quick quotes

    Sean Kenniff's novel 'Etre the Cow' presented a haunting meditation on sentience and suffering through the.

    The book's depth and emotional resonance make it a memorable and impactful read.

    The book's meditation on these themes is likely to stay with readers long after they finish it.

Bristol Library Book Blog · 2012-05-23
poignant 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the book's themes but was hesitant to read it due to the subject matter. They found the story poignant and thought-provoking.

The reviewer starts by admitting they were initially reluctant to read a book about a cow, especially one that might end up at the slaughterhouse. However, they found the story to be quite moving and reflective. The book's exploration of themes like destiny and self-acceptance resonated with them, making it a worthwhile read despite their initial reservations. They also mentioned that the book's unique perspective offered a fresh take on familiar themes.

Quick quotes

    Being a confirmed omnivore, I didn't want to read a book about a cow if the cow ended up at the slaughter house, part of some fictional future.

    The book's exploration of themes like destiny and self-acceptance resonated with them.

    The book's unique perspective offered a fresh take on familiar themes.

Rawdorable · 2010-04-22
empathetic 3.50

The reviewer felt empathy for the main character and found the metaphors in the book meaningful. They wished for a different outcome for the bull.

The reviewer highlighted the book's rich use of metaphors and the emotional connection they felt with the main character, Etre. They described feeling sorry for the bull, who seemed out of place and misunderstood. The reviewer also expressed a desire for a more hopeful ending, indicating that the book's conclusion left them wanting more. Overall, they appreciated the depth of the story and its exploration of themes like identity and belonging.

Quick quotes

    I know this book is full of metaphors, but taking it for face value, I just felt sorry for the poor bull, who didn't seem to fit in.

    I wanted so much for him to find a way out of his predicament.

    The book's exploration of themes like identity and belonging.

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