The book is a collection of short, illustrated stories featuring anthropomorphized animals. The stories are dark and cynical, resembling fables but lacking traditional humor. The writing is simple yet compelling, and the illustrations are skillfully done but sometimes grotesque. It's a unique and thought-provoking read, though not for everyone.
Introduction to Statistical Computing is a collection of 16 short stories, each featuring anthropomorphized animals in a modern, cynical take on traditional fables. The stories are brief, most under seven pages, and accompanied by illustrations that are both appealing and at times repulsive. The writing is simple and dry, yet compelling, and the stories convey heavy and complex messages in straightforward language. The book is a unique and thought-provoking read, offering a refreshing perspective on the fable genre. However, it's not a traditional comedy or humor book, as often described. The stories are dark and macabre, lacking the expected humor, which might not appeal to everyone. The book is well-crafted and engaging, but its strange and visceral content may not be enjoyable for all readers. It's a good, but not great, book that offers a challenging and thought-provoking experience.
Quick quotes
The stories (fables, whatever) themselves feature animals (simply named “rabbit” or “squirrel”) that are anthropomorphized, though less than in most fables, modern or traditional.
The morals are blunt and real, with the subjects being harsh and at times violent.
It’s a refreshing look at the idea and a good implementation of the elements of the fable.