David Waltner-Toews, professore emerito presso l'Università di Guelph e presidente fondatore di Veterinarians without Borders-Canada, è specializzato in malattie trasmesse dagli animali all'uomo. Attingendo alla sua esperienza di epidemiologo veterinario, il suo lavoro esplora l'interconnessione tra la salute umana e gli ecosistemi. La produzione letteraria di Waltner-Toews, che spazia dalla poesia alla narrativa alla saggistica, approfondisce frequentemente temi legati alla salute animale, alle crisi sanitarie globali e al rapporto uomo-natura. Il suo approccio combina il rigore scientifico con un'osservazione acuta, sottolineando l'interdipendenza della vita sulla Terra.
The narrative centers around Tante Tina, a vibrant stage and poetic persona, who brings to life the stories of the author's mother and her sister. Set against the backdrop of their experiences in Canada after fleeing Ukraine in 1926, the book explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Through Tante Tina's lens, readers are invited to connect with personal histories and the rich tapestry of life shaped by displacement and adaptation.
Set against the backdrop of Saskatoon, Canada, the story follows veterinarian Abner Dueck, who returns home after his expulsion from Indonesia. As he navigates the complexities of his profession, he becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious events, including a reckless shooting at a clinic and the discovery of a butcher's frozen body near a cattle farm hiding dark secrets. The narrative explores themes of responsibility and the often-blurred lines between personal and professional dilemmas in the veterinary world.