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Unrequited love stings the heart of the mouse. The focus of his affection doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. The mouse believes his lower status on the pecking order of the jungle hierarchy is a reason for this. He decides to appeal to the lion king and be granted access to his inner circle. The mouse speaks to the king and asks for him to accompany him on a walk through the jungle in order to elevate the mouse’s social stature. Various other animals who have the king’s ear take exception to the diminutive creature’s request, sensing ulterior motives. The lion king grants the mouse’s request but soon learns, to his own regret, that he may have underestimated the mouse. A power struggle is about to occur that will threaten the status quo.
Matar’s novel is a first-rate and powerful book that tackles the machinations of politics in the unforgiving world of the jungle. The author writes a story that may appear simple from the outside but retains levels of deep complexity as the plot unfolds. Questions of class and power are coupled with themes of love and ambition. The mouse appears meek and pitiable due to his near-constant rejection. But in the progression of the story, he takes on a more Machiavellian edge, rendering him far more sinister. In contrast, the lion is sage but also calm and composed. The story is compelling as it holds parallels to the geopolitical landscape of the modern day. Matar has written a most colorful allegory that is intelligent, frightening, and relevant.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review