"The Animal" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complexities of race, identity, and human nature versus nurture. James inherits his family farm from his abusive father, a place steeped in a tradition of racism. James' real struggles begin when he finds a young boy of color on his property, igniting a series of events that challenge his deeply ingrained beliefs and reshape his understanding of humanity.

Initially tempted to report the boy to the authorities, James makes a life-altering decision to hide him in his barn and exploit the boy's skills to craft fishing lures for his own profit. James finds himself confronting his own prejudices, gradually recognizing the boy as more than a means to an end but as a fellow human being.

Complicating matters, James falls in love with an enchating woman of color, forcing him to confront the pervasive racial biases that have defined his family legacy. The novel explores the complexities of love, prejudice, and self-discovery in a society entrenched in division as James navigates the perilous consequences of his actions and the challenges of his interracial relationship. "The Animal" presents a powerful narrative that compels readers to question their own beliefs, challenging us to consider what it means to transcend our roots and embrace a more compassionate, inclusive future. In the end, James must make a defining choice: to perpetuate the cycle of prejudice or to chart a new path toward understanding, empathy, and a better self.