Open Throat by Henry Hoke (2023): A Review

Title: Open Throat

Author: Henry Hoke

Publication Year: 2023

Pages: 160

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Fantasy, Queer

Source: Audiobook on @storytel.tr

The story begins in a charming and humorous way with an unnamed lion who playfully refuses to reveal its name or gender, insisting that our inability to pronounce it is simply beyond us. As I try to grasp the essence of this cute yet fierce narrator, I find myself navigating its identity crisis and the emotional traumas it experiences and observes. This lion, residing in an LA park beneath the iconic Hollywood sign, raises the question: how does a mountain lion manage to live in such a populated area? Initially, I imagined a cute, small wildcat, but a quick search revealed the reality—it is, indeed, a full-sized lion! Who am I to judge? I'm engrossed in a tale narrated by a mountain lion, who seems a bit unreliable yet utterly fascinating.

The lion hints at the possibility of eating a human someday, adding an unexpected layer to its reliability. From its hidden vantage point, it observes the people who venture into its territory to hike, while others are definitely not there for hiking. Through its eyes, we glimpse stories from its childhood, including a complicated relationship with its father, a romantic connection with another mountain lion, and interactions with the homeless community living in the park—all while maintaining a safe distance.

As its narrative unfolds, it subtly shares how it copes with rising heat, dwindling rainfall, and the threat of wildfires that force it to leave its beloved habitat. This shift sets the stage for an unexpected adventure in which it encounters a human, begins to form a unique bond, and becomes her pet, until grown-ups show up and ruin everything. However, the narrative is full of complexity, and as changes loom on the horizon, our lion's journey takes unexpected turns, raising questions about survival, connection, and the world around it.

Why didn’t I give ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐? I have a standard for ranking animal characters and narrators. My benchmark is Marcellus in Remarkably Bright Creature. You need to reach his level to earn my ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.