Karen Emmerman's relational vegan ecofeminism challenges readers to attend to the complex relationships in their lives, and find ways to do so across and through deep differences. Recognizing that in contemporary capitalistic societies all vegans face compromises in their daily lives, Emmerman insightfully examines several examples where conscious (but limited) compromise might both honor one's vegan values and enrich supporting relationships with others who do not share those values. Her discussions of whether to eat her grandmother's chicken soup and whether to allow her vegan child to attend a class trip to the zoo are thoughtful and challenging. Through these discussions she provides readers with an important reassessment of dominant moral theories, makes a case for an ecofeminist approach, and arrives at a more nuanced notion of veganism. She writes, “focus less on veganism as 'purity' and more on context and relationships.” Emmerman's approach is rooted in context, understanding particulars, responding to need, and offering loving attention. She acknowledges this work is hard, sometimes impossible. However, finding ways to honor the vegan commitments of caring and kindness in the face of such real lived struggles goes a long way “towards living with integrity with respect to our love of both the animals with whom we share this Earth and the humans with whom we share our lives.”

Erin McKenna, Professor of Philosophy, University of Oregon, USA