A Handful of Happiness: How a Prickly Creature Softened a Prickly Heart

Massimo Vacchetta · Antonella Tomaselli

ก.ค. 2018 · ขายโดย Rodale Books

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A feel-good memoir about a man and his hedgehog

Massimo Vacchetta, an Italian veterinarian specializing in large animals, is recently divorced and feeling heartbroken and depressed—until the day that someone brings an orphaned baby hedgehog into his clinic. As the tiny hedgehog cries and whimpers, Massimo immediately understands the extent of the animal’s vulnerability and isolation. Recognizing her helplessness and desperation in himself, he connects with her in a way he’s never connected with any other animal.

In caring for this hedgehog, Massimo uncovers her vibrant personality, and rediscovers his own. Soon, another sick hedgehog lands in his lap. And then another. As people begin to seek him out to heal and care for their injured or orphaned animals, Massimo finally discovers his life’s mission.

As other sick hedgies are healed and released, Massimo continues to dote on Ninna like a child, constantly fretting about her health and happiness, caring about her in a way he’s never cared about anyone or anything else. But the cage that once kept her safe soon becomes a prison, and as much as it breaks Massimo's heart to let her go, he knows she longs to be free.

Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that no love is too great and no creature is too small.

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Massimo Vacchetta has worked as a large animal veterinarian for 20 years. Two years ago he opened "La Ninna," a shelter and rehabilitation center for hedgehogs. He is the chairman of the association "La Casa Dei Ricci," whose mission is the protection of hedgehogs and their environment.

Antonella Tomaselli is a journalist, blogger, environmentalist, and lover of animals. A true dog person, she has written and directed several documentaries about her canine friends. She is an active propagandist against the abandonment of pets and has published many books and specialized articles on different dog breeds.

Jamie Richards is a translator based in Milan, Italy. She holds an MFA in Literary Translation from the University of Iowa and a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Oregon. Her translations include works by Igiaba Scego, Matteo Bussola, Ermanno Cavazzoni, Giovanni Orelli, and Zerocalcare.