Fiction Pick of the Week: Anthill

Anthill by E.O. Wilson

E.O. Wilson, at the age of 80, has written his very first novel. It is a story that takes place in the Longleaf Pine Savanna of the deep South where 10 year old Raff Semmes Cody explores the natural world of the plants and creatures that dwell near Lake Nokobee. As Raff grows up and earns a degree in environmental studies he discovers some uncanny similarities between ants and humans. Ants also conduct savage wars, take slaves, have a worker caste system, infant nurseries and in many ways are even more altruistic than us.

The author E.O. Wilson is a world renowned biologist, an expert on ants, and has more than 20 books to his credit as well as 2 Pulitizer Prizes plus numerous scientific awards achieved during his career as a Harvard Professor. He has given a voice to the ants as he takes us on a journey through their habitat.

Meanwhile the stage is set for a clash between land developers, environmentalists and religious groups as they fight over the pristine wilderness of Lake Nokobee. Our hero Raff, at age 30, is now an Harvard-trained environmental lawyer and leads the legal tangle of opposing viewpoints. This is a powerful and inspiring story with many revelations and a very shocking conclusion.