The Rabbit Between Us

One morning as they said goodbye, Victor Menza's daughter handed him a postcard with a bunny on it. The gift made him ask why rabbits had become the symbol of their visits, and how such a creature could carry a person's presence so powerfully.

The Rabbit Between Us follows that question through philosophy, history, education, art and personal reflection on everyday uncanny experiences. Menza explores why people have long felt a kinship with rabbits and seen them as emblems of love. He also considers human nature and the way separation undoes us, whether from other people or from our childhood selves. His companions on these unconventional philosophical wanderings include Ludwig Wittgenstein, Elizabeth Bowen, Albert Murray, Beatrix Potter, Donald Winnicott, Sterling Stuckey and Lev Vygotsky.

Along the way he looks at what symbols are and how they work, what dialect is worth, and the subversive lesson in animal fables, together with his thoughts on language learning, memory and slavery. He realizes that he took to Brer Rabbit early in life. Just as the Uncle Remus tales show their small hero's virtues in warm dialogue, the book suggests that we are rich in talents and moves when we lean toward the Aesop in us, as Socrates did. Gentle and political at once, it is meant for any intellectually curious reader.