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The Importance of Family
Muunokhoi’s Awakening follows a marmot who wakes from hibernation early and is unable to return to sleep, finding himself alone and needing to find a way to survive the winter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wish I could identify an inspiration for the story, but the truth is I stumbled upon the idea. The initial plot I had in my mind when I began to write the novel, was a children’s story about a marmot who is transported in its dreams to different countries during hibernation. At each place, it gets to experience the people, culture, and an adventure or two. However, I quickly realised when I began writing, that the idea would not be credible. The interactions in various places will have to be with humans in towns or cities to experience the culture, and the idea of this animal living like a human would be a stretch. So, I shelved this idea, but I still wanted to write an anthropomorphic tale. I went back to it after about a week pondering what to do next when the idea popped into my head; what if instead of dreaming, it is the only one awake in the burrow? Several ideas and questions quickly flowed from this which ultimately led to the story. I settled on a Mongolian marmot because this species hibernates for 7-8 months which allowed one sufficient time to develop the story without rushing it; I also found the animals of Mongolia quite fascinating.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
Muunokhoi’s journey was going to be long enough for him to meet a variety of creatures he did not know. It was important therefore that the creatures he meets should include those with good character traits as well those with bad undesirable character traits to reflect what we as humans see around us. Thus, we meet creatures who are greedy, selfish, arrogant, cunning, and untrustworthy as well as creatures who are courageous, empathetic, goodhearted, caring, selfless, well-meaning, and trustworthy.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some themes I wanted to explore were the importance of family, loyalty, betrayal, friendship, bravery, perseverance, several aspects of loneliness, and hope.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The next book I am working on is completely different from this first one. It is primarily about the lives of students, at a university in Ghana (my country of birth) in the early 1970’s, a period of political instability and economic hardship in the country. The idea is to weave in the fiction with political events occurring in the country. My inspiration for this is Paul Scott’s quartet of books The Raj Quartet which I read decades ago. My ambitions are more modest as I plan to write only one book.
With respect to when it will be out, my hope is sometime in 2027. I do not write daily or have a schedule for writing. I also write the initial and second drafts by hand with a pencil, so it takes time, but I am more than halfway through the first draft, so fingers crossed.
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Muunokhoi emerges from his burrow into a hostile winter environment, to explore the availability of food. He first encounters an eagle owl, who advises him that with no food available in the winter months, his only option for survival is to embark on a quest to lower elevations where he can find food to sustain him until the spring.
The journey will be fraught with danger from predators that stalk the mountainous Mongolian terrain, but the marmot will surely starve to death if he stays put. Summoning all his courage, Muunokhoi sets out on an adventure that could ultimately save his life . . . or end it.
Muunokhoi’s Awakening
Muunokhoi’s Awakening is a strikingly original tale that follows the unexpected journey of Muunokhoi, a marmot who wakes from hibernation too early, alone, alert, and unable to return to sleep. As he grapples with the isolation and fear of premature awakening in a world still deep in winter, he must confront an existential dilemma: remain and face certain death, or venture into unknown lands in search of food and survival. What unfolds is a rich, anthropomorphic adventure that’s both literal and deeply metaphorical, exploring identity, purpose, and the meaning of community.
Gilbert Arthur writes animals better than most people write people. From the very beginning, Muunokhoi’s inner monologue feels real, relatable, and surprisingly witty. I found myself genuinely amused by his reflections on his consorts, colony logistics, and especially his pride in having the foresight to give each of his consorts their own chambers to avoid drama (smart marmot move). The attention to marmot colony politics, with just a dash of dry humor, makes the story feel lived-in and oddly familiar, even if you’ve never thought twice about a marmot in your life.
What really hooked me emotionally was the owl, Bolor. Their first conversation is gold. When Bolor, who’s supposed to be a predator, instead turns out to be this curious, wise, slightly sarcastic ally, the story takes a lovely turn. The dialogue between the two, like when Bolor says, “How can a marmot not hibernate? It’s the essence of who you are!” is sharp, funny, and somehow very touching. That whole chapter made me stop and think: What happens when you can’t do what your species or society expects of you? It’s a question a lot of us face, and Muunokhoi’s literal awakening becomes this beautifully written metaphor for that kind of existential shift.
The flashback chapters caught me by surprise with their emotional weight. The origin story of Muunokhoi and Sarantuya meeting was a standout. I didn’t expect to get misty-eyed over two marmots bonding over their shared baggage. Sarantuya’s boldness and unfiltered honesty, especially when she pointedly asks, “Am I going to be your consort?” added a refreshing and endearing depth to her character. The scene where she confidently returns to her former colony, openly showcasing her newfound happiness to those who had once belittled her, is particularly striking. It’s a moment rich with quiet defiance and personal vindication. This episode introduced unexpected emotional complexity to the narrative, weaving in themes of romance, resentment, and familial conflict, all anchored by an authentic emotional resonance.
By the end, I was fully rooting for Muunokhoi not just to survive winter, but to figure out who he is now that the rules have changed. The pacing takes its time in places, allowing for a deeper exploration of Muunokhoi’s thoughts and emotions. While some of the internal monologues are more extended, they offer valuable insight into his character. Throughout, the writing remains warm, thoughtful, and sincerely grounded in the emotional truth of the story. It’s not often a book about a marmot gets you to reflect on your own sense of purpose, but here we are.
Muunokhoi’s Awakening is a deeply unique story that somehow manages to be an animal adventure, philosophical fable, and heartwarming romance all at once. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy books like Watership Down or The Wind in the Willows, but want something more introspective and slightly modern in tone. If you’re a fan of stories that blend humor with heart and challenge you to see the world (and yourself) a little differently, this one’s worth waking up for.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0DST5M6X2
LITERARY TITAN 