The writing is powerful and masterful, but the juxtaposing of Holocaust and taxidermy did not work for me. Graphic details of taxidermic craft though definitely enlightening were not inspiring. Detailed descriptions of torturing an intelligent donkey and other horrific scenes were neither revealing nor surprising . The aftertaste of this book for me is depression for the sake of depression. If you never felt depressed and wonder how it feels, this book may be a perfect read for you.