Mr. Allbones' Ferrets

Walter Allbones, a breeder of ferrets, has his life changed forever by a late night encounter with two eccentrics in Farrell's charming debut. Allbones uses his ferrets to poach rabbits on the grounds of a nearby manor owned by Mr. Pitford, a scientist. Almost caught in his crime one evening, Allbones agrees to supply Pitford with ferrets to be relocated to New Zealand to combat a rabbit infestation. Allbones, drawn in by the promise of money and his infatuation with Eugenia, Pitford's granddaughter, soon embarks on a journey across the world with his ferrets in tow and a budding relationship with Eugenia. The narrative lavishes much care on the ferrets, and the lovely and trivia-packed descriptions enliven the dreary English countryside. The love story, interestingly, touches on Darwin and takes into account the stench of ferret musk on romantic encounters, providing heft to a deceptively simple tale. Though the ending twist involving a paternal surprise feels out of place, this is, overall, a fun and lighthearted romance—with lots of ferrets. (Aug.)