David Waltner-Toews, profesor emérito de la Universidad de Guelph y presidente fundador de Veterinarians without Borders-Canada, se especializa en enfermedades transmitidas de animales a humanos. Basándose en su experiencia como epidemiólogo veterinario, su obra explora la interconexión de la salud humana y los ecosistemas. La producción literaria de Waltner-Toews, que abarca poesía, ficción y no ficción, a menudo profundiza en temas relacionados con la salud animal, las crisis de salud globales y la relación entre humanos y naturaleza. Su enfoque combina el rigor científico con la observación perspicaz, destacando la interdependencia de la vida en la Tierra.
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.