The Burrow Melanie Cheng 2024
The Burrow is an honest, unflinching account of grief, guilt and parenthood.
The story is introduced to us through the alternating perspectives of couple Jin and Amy, alongside their 10-year-old daughter Lucie. Early in the story, we learn that there was a tragic death in the family four years prior; Jin and Amy’s six-month-old baby, Ruby. We also find out that Ruby died in a bathtub while being bathed by Amy’s mother Pauline, who suffered a stroke.
Each alternating perspective gives us insight into how each character is trying to ‘burrow’ their grief and guilt: Jin, through his work as an emergency physician; Amy, through her writing; and Lucie, through her schooling. But when Pauline comes to stay with them after injuring her wrist, the story takes a rapid turn. Each character is forced to confront the reality of their grief and figure out what it means for the rest of their lives.
My favourite aspect of The Burrow is the way that each chapter is interwoven with the life of the family’s pet rabbit, Fiver, aptly named after the rabbit from Watership Down. Fiver is described as a small, defenceless animal, constantly pursued by predators. In this way, Cheng uses Fiver as a symbol of our own human fragility and defencelessness in the face of adversity.
Overall, the subject matter of The Burrow is deeply personal to anyone who has experienced loss and grief in their lives. I found myself feeling a strong sense of connection and empathy with each character long after I read the final page.
